Grosjean has 'some good contacts' with IndyCar teams for 2021

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Romain Grosjean says IndyCar is on option for 2021, the ousted Haas driver having recently made several "good contacts" with teams in the US.

Grosjean will depart Haas at the end of this year after five seasons with the US outfit. But the Frenchman's exit will likely also equate to a permanent departure from F1, leaving the 34-year-old to mull his next step in motorsport.

In the past, Grosjean has been reluctant to consider a stint in IndyCar because of the dangers associated with oval racing. But next year, the series' schedule will include just four oval races, and that has sparked Grosjean's interest.

"It is an option," he said. "And if I'm brutally honest, I haven't been sleeping very well for the last two weeks.

"It's a tough year for the world, for the economy, so it's not a good year to be out of contract, and out of the sport that you are in.

"So yes, I've been looking at IndyCar. I've had some contacts and some good ones. And I kind of regret I didn't check the calendar earlier, that there were only two speedways and one short track in terms of ovals. But it's not over. And it's something that I would consider."

Read also: Grosjean says Haas drivers dropped for 'financial reasons'

Grosjean said he had touched base in the past with former F1 rival Marcus Ericsson, who made the switch to IndyCar in 2019, to hear what the Swede had to say about his experience in the US.

"Obviously it is a big change in life, but I spoke with Marcus Ericsson when he went there, and he really liked it," he explained. "He says it's different, but the drivers get a big role to play in the car.

"Yes, there are teams better than others, but everyone has got a chance to win the race, and, you know, a day like today, where I think Kevin [Magnussen] and myself, we did bloody good quality laps and we're 16th and 17th.

"It's hard to swallow, and probably now I want to win races and have a chance and win races where I can have fun. So, IndyCar is on the menu."

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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.