Australian GP adds new S5000 series to 2020 support bill

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Australia's all-new S5000 single-seater series will get some prominent exposure next year when it kick-starts its first full season in Melbourne, during the Australian Grand Prix weekend.

Fans of Rubens Barrichello will rejoice at the news as the eleven-time Grand Prix winner will be racing at Albert Park next March in one of the series' S5000 cars powered by a 5.0-litre, 560 bhp V8 Ford Coyote engine.

The S5000 field is expected to include a blend of experienced open wheel Australian drivers and young hopefuls gunning for glory.

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"The Australian Racing Group is extremely pleased to confirm that S5000 will be on the grid at the Formula 1® Rolex Australian Grand Prix 2020,” said Matt Braid, managing director of ARG, the promoters of S5000.

"These S5000 cars are going to be right at home on the Albert Park street circuit, and we look forward to providing the best racing for the fans."

Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO Andrew Westcott welcomed the series to its support bill.

"There is always such a strong appetite from our fans for exciting on-track activity, so having the exciting S5000 class at our event is the perfect fit," said Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO Andrew Westcott.

"AGPC is always looking to inspire the next generation of drivers and being able to showcase a new Australian motorsport category not just nationally, but globally, is such a fantastic opportunity for all involved."

Australian motorsport fans will get their first chance to witness the S5000 beasts in action next weekend at Sandown Raceway.

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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.