McLaren's Norris gears up for IndyCar debut at COTA!

©McLaren

Lando Norris is set to apply his sim skills to IndyCar racing, the McLaren driver accepting an invitation to take part in this weekend's IndyCar iRacing Challenge at COTA.

"I guess that means the practice starts now then", tweeted Norris shortly after receiving the official solicitation from the NTT IndyCar Series.

The opportunity came about when Arrow McLaren SP driver Pato O'Ward queried IndyCar on Twitter about the possibility of adding Norris to the field for Saturday's event at the Circuit of the Americas, a track the McLaren driver is well acquainted with.

The IndyCar iRacing Challenge, which has so far held four events, is proving popular with the fans during the sport's coronavirus pause, with viewing figures ramping.

Last weekend's race at Twin Ring Motegi in Japan, which was won by Penske's Simon Pagenaud, saw a field of 33 drivers - the largest so far - take to the virtual twin-oval.

From the outset of the series, special guests have crossed over for a taste of IndyCar, with NASCAR stars Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kyle Busch boosting the series already impressive ratings on NBC Sports.

Norris will most likely race for McLaren's affiliate, Arrow McLaren SP, in Saturday's event. The 20-year-old will be looking for a trouble-free performance after technical glitches dogged his efforts in F1's three Virtual Grand Prix races held recently.

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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.