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A friendly meeting of Presidents

While in St. Petersburg this week for the FIA's general assembly and prize giving ceremony, Jean Todt had an opportunity to meet on Friday with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Formula 1 was obviously on the two men's agenda, with Sochi establishing itself as a fixture on the Grand Prix calendar since 2014 and Putin attending each year the popular event.

But Russia's President also ensured his FIA counterpart that motorsport was trending in the country, with plans for a new racing facility to be built in the St. Petersburg area.

"With you here, we can mark the development of car racing in Russia," Putin told Todt.

"We are conducting not only F1 races but we are also constructing a race centre in St Petersburg. We would like you to give your assessment and recommendations."

At the end of their encounter, Todt took the opportunity to offer Putin a, FIA crash helmet signed by several F1 stars, including Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg.

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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.