Ilott gets IndyCar ride with Juncos Hollinger Racing

©JHR

Alfa Romeo reserve driver Callum Ilott will join IndyCar outfit Juncos Hollinger Racing for the final three races of the US series.

The 22-year-old Ferrari protégé, who finished runner-up to Mick Schumacher in the 2020 FIA Formula 2 Championship, will enjoy his debut at the wheel of JHR's #77 Dallara-Chevy at next week's Portland Grand Prix.

The Briton will then take part in the final two rounds of the NTT IndyCar Series scheduled later this month at Laguna Seca and at Long Beach.

"I am pleased and excited to be announcing I will be racing with Juncos Hollinger Racing at Portland," said Ilott.

"This will be my first time in IndyCar and running in the United States, which will be a bit of a change from running on the European side."

"I am looking forward to working with the team during this first phase of their development.

"I would like to thank the Ferrari Driver Academy for allowing me to take this opportunity and for Ricardo Juncos and Brad Hollinger for bringing me on board the team."

©AlfaRomeo

As Juncos Racing, the IndyCar team founded by Ricardo Juncos took part in 15 IndyCar rounds from 2017-2019. But the involvement of former Williams Racing shareholder Brad Hollinger has allowed the Indiana-based outfit to relaunch itself ahead of a full campaign in IndyCar in 2022.

"We are very excited to welcome Callum Ilott to the Juncos Hollinger Racing family," Juncos said. "Callum brings a lot of experience and incredible talent to the team.

"We are confident that he will transition well into the NTT IndyCar Series when we get on track for our final test before making our official debut together at Portland next week."

Read also: Grosjean reportedly signs up with Andretti Autosport for 2022

Although Ilott has enjoyed multiple F1 tests, the Briton's wait for a F1 seat has so far not been fruitful. The former F2 racer has nevertheless kept himself busy this season with a Ferrari-supported drive with Iron Lynx in the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup.

Callum also took part in this year's Le Mans 24 Hours with the Italian outfit, finishing the endurance classic 3rd in the LM GTE class.

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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.