O’Ward takes over Ticktum's Super Formula drive for Red Bull

Patricio O’Ward will contest the remainder of the 2019 Super Formula championship for Mugen Honda, taking over from Dan Ticktum who has been ousted by Red Bull.

Following Ticktum’s omission from the Red Bull junior programme, Mexican O’Ward will swap his partial IndyCar campaign for the Japanese Super Formula series starting next month at Fuji Speedway, which hosts round four on July 13-14, with Mugen Honda.

O’Ward, who is making his Formula 2 debut this weekend at the Red Bull Ring with MP Motorsport, is naturally relishing the opportunity as he looks to make a positive impression within the Red Bull junior programme.

“Dr. Helmut Marko spoke to me and he explained that he would like for me to do the remaining Super Formula rounds in Japan as well as possibly some more F2 races if that can be arranged,” O'Ward said.

“It is a huge opportunity of course and I'm very excited about it. I know that it will be a big challenge.

“Like coming here this weekend I do not know the tracks in Japan or the car but there is more track time in a race weekend I believe. I know that culture and communications are different and the series is at a very high level so it is a fantastic chance for me to learn and progress.”

Red Bull also confirmed Ticktum has been dropped from its junior programme.

“At this level the demands are intense,” Dr. Helmut Marko said. “Unfortunately Dan has not found the success in the Super Formula series that we hoped for.”

Two-time Macau Grand Prix winner Ticktum secured just one points finish from the opening three rounds in Super Formula, eighth place at Suzuka, while he also made his F1 test debut with Red Bull last April in Bahrain.