The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve gets a makeover

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The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve's paddock area will under a major transformation next summer as the venue builds a new pit complex.

The Société du parc Jean Drapeau of Montréal released renderings of the future project to which the promoters of the Canadian Grand Prix agreed when they extended the event's contract with Formula 1 back in 2015.

The new infrastructure will obviously meet all standards required by F1 and the FIA while also increasing the capacity of the hospitality suites from 1,800 to 5,000 people.

The project, which is estimated to cost $48 million, will be financed by the City of Montreal and Quebec's Ministère des Affaires municipales et de l'Occupation du territoire.

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.