O'Ward makes first move away from IndyCar

Patricio O'Ward has already said his goal is F1, not IndyCar because there is very little sponsor money available in the IndyCar paddock given the low NBCSN TV ratings, and we now hear of his first shot at F2, one step below F1.

Red Bull-backed O'Ward is set to contest this weekend's Formula 2 races in Austria, replacing banned MP Motorsport driver Mahaveer Raghunathan.

Raghunathan reached 12 penalty points on his license for virtual safety car infringements in last weekend's Paul Ricard F2 round, meaning the team needed a new driver to slot in alongside its regular driver Jordan King.

Reigning Indy Lights champion O'Ward has appeared on the entry list for the event to make his series debut.

He currently competes for Carlin in IndyCar and was made a Red Bull junior driver in May this season.

He was set to compete in two oval events later this season but those outings have been cancelled.