Formula 1 gets its own home away from home

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The Barcelona paddock is bustling with activity this week as Formula 1 kicks off its first three day of pre-season testing.

Teams have set up shop at the Circuit de Catalunya and erected their imposing hospitality units, but a new facility has been added to the array of real estate.

Formula One Management unveiled a new two-storey mega structure that will serve as the home away from home for its top brass and on-site personnel at European venues.

In keeping with the sport's aim of becoming carbon neutral by 2030, the new facility was apparently designed as a low cost and low carbon footprint operation center, and a structure that the teams could adopt in the future.

But F1's crews aren't the only one to have a new hospitality unit, with Williams also unveiling its elegant new home in the paddock.

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.