Giovinazzi joins Ferrari's 2023 Hypercar line-up!

©Ferrari

As expected, Antonio Giovinazzi has joined Ferrari's two-car Hypercar effort in the 2023 World Endurance Championship.

Giovinazzi, who started 62 Grands Prix in his F1 career with Sauber-Alfa Romeo, joins a six-driver lineup that will also include James Calado, Alessandro Pier Guidi, Nicklas Nielsen, Antonio Fuoco and Miguel Molina.

Ferrari will seal its return to top class endurance racing with its striking 499P Hypercar at the 1000 Miles of Sebring in March before taking on rounds of the championship in Portimão, Spa-Francorchamps, Le Mans, Monza, Fuji and Bahrain.

©Ferrari

"The debut of the 499P will be a moment destined to enter the history of the Prancing Horse and it will be a great honor for me to be part of this extraordinary moment," commented Giovinazzi.

"We know we have a great responsibility that we will face with great humility, but aware of our strength and ready for this great challenge."

Giovinazzi last raced in F1 in 2021, with the 29-year-old undergoing a season in Formula E with Penske Autosport in 2022, but with very little to show for his efforts.

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The Italian driver's opportunity to compete with Ferrari in the WEC will offer the former F1 hopeful a fresh opportunity to boost his career on the international motorsport scene.

Giovinazzi will share the Scuderia's number 51 entry with Pier Guidi and Calado, experienced and successful members of Ferrari's GT squad and winners at Le Mans with AF Corse in 2019 and 2021.

"With the choice of crews, we have completed the last step of the programme ahead of our debut at Sebring," commented Antonello Coletta, Head of Ferrari GT Sporting Activities

"Since the 499P’s first shakedown in July, we have worked non-stop involving the drivers of the Ferrari family.

"The decision regarding our chosen drivers relates not only to the races we will contest, but also to the growth that will continue during the championship.

"We are very clear about what we can ask of them concerning development and consistency, not just speed."

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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.