Williams reserve Aitken added to Melbourne S5000 grid

Williams reserve driver Jack Aitken will join former F1 drivers Rubens Barrichello and Giancarlo Fisichella in the Australian Grand Prix S5000 support race.

Aitken, who is set embark on his third season of Formula 2 this year, racing with Campos, will make a one-off appearance in the Aussie single-seater series which aims to revive the glory days Down Under of Formula 5000.

Fisichella set for single-seater return with S5000 in Melbourne

"I love all forms of cars and racing so I’m really looking forward to experiencing S5000 with its V8 power on such a fantastic track in Australia," said Aitken.

"There’s a great selection of drivers on the grid, including some F1 legends, so I’m sure it’s going to be a really memorable occasion."

With the coronavirus outbreak still spreading globally, uncertainty still surrounds the opening round of the F1 season, although Australian Grand Prix organisers have insisted the race will take place next week as planned.

However, should a late cancellation spoil the Aussie fans of F1, the event's support bill should unfold according to plan.

©S5000

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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.