Andretti wants all-Italian Dallara v Ferrari battle in IndyCar

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Motorsport legend Mario Andretti says Ferrari should consider an entry into IndyCar as an engine and chassis supplier to the series.

Like its fellow F1 competitors, Ferrari has yet to commit to its future in Grand Prix racing. And while few doubt the House of Maranello will depart racing's premier series, Scuderia boss Mattia Binotto recently hinted at the manufacturer possibly "deploying its DNA" elsewhere.

Picking up on that elusive prospect, Andretti suggests Ferrari pay a visit to Roger Penske, whose company is the parent owner of IndyCar.

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"Having Ferrari would be incredible. Not only as an engine supplier, but also as a chassis builder," said the 1978 F1 world champion and four-time IndyCar champion.

"It is clear that the rules should be changed, but I would like an all-Italian Dallara vs. Ferrari battle. The Cavallino would increase interest in the championship, but there is an obstacle in the rules.

"I suggest Binotto comes and proposes an idea to Roger Penske."

Indeed, Ferrari's involvement in the US series would require a rule change that would open up current engine and chassis supply agreements beyond Honda and Chevrolet for the former, and Dallara for the latter.

Ferrari has never had a dedicated involvement in America's top single-seater series. But it did perhaps come close to racing Stateside over thirty years ago.

In 1987, Enzo Ferrari was at loggerheads with both the FIA and Bernie Ecclestone's FOCA, and threatened to quit F1 and head to the CART IndyCar PPG World Series as it was called back then.

To convey its determination, a car was quickly designed by Gustav Brunner and rolled out for all to admire. Named the 637, it was destined to be driven by Bobby Rahal.

Ultimately, peace was negotiated on the F1 front and the Commendatore parked the 637 in Ferrari's museum at Maranello.

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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.