Barrichello commits to new Australian single-seater series

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Former F1 driver Rubens Barrichello is set for a return to single-seater action, the Brazilian becoming the first driver to commit to Australia's new S5000 championship.

The series kicks off next month at Sandown Raceway, near Melbourne, with 14 big-bore open-wheel cars expected to join the grid.

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"Having been to Australia many times during my F1 career, I’m excited to be coming back for the first ever race for S5000 in Melbourne," said Barrichello.

"The concept of the S5000 formula is a very interesting one, the car looks to be a real challenge, and I look forward to playing my part in its launch.

"It’s great to see what will be a resurgence in serious open-wheeler racing in Australia. I hear the sight and sound of a five-litre V8 in the back of the S5000 is pretty awesome.

"I’ve never been to the Sandown circuit before, so there will be much to absorb, but it looks like a great venue for the S5000s to make their debut. It’s going to be a great experience."

Barrichello concluded his 19-year career in Grand Prix racing in 2011, running in 323 Grands Prix and clinching 11 wins.

The veteran Brazilian driver then took part in the 2012 IndyCar season, his last foray into the world of single-seater racing.

The S5000 series - seen as a modern-day version of Formula 5000 - relies on an FIA-compliant carbon-fibre chassis manufactured by French motorsport company Onroak-Ligier and powered by a 5.0-liter naturally-aspirated Ford Coyote V8 engine with an estimated output of 560 bhp.

The S5000 organisers have yet to announce the series' full schedule.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.