Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsFormula 1

Imola in the running for Italian GP

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Imola has emerged as a potential candidate to replace Monza as the 2017 venue for the Italian Grand Prix in the event the historic site should fail to secure a contract with FOM.

As Monza appears unable to meet the current terms and the higher fee demanded by Bernie Ecclestone, discussions have apparently been initiated between F1's supremo and the promoters of the former San Marino Grand Prix venue.

According to Italian publication Autosprint, a meeting took place on Monday at FOM's London headquarters between Ecclestone and several Italian officials, which included the mayor of the city of Imola, Daniele Manca.

"We wanted to show Ecclestone the will of the town of Imola to get back to F1," Mayor Manca told Motorsport.com. "But above all to do our part to keep a Grand Prix in Italy."

It is unclear whether conversations were centered around Imola becoming a permanent fixture once again on the F1 calendar, a one-off option for 2017 only or perhaps an alternation venue between other Italian F1 circuits like the Ferrari-owned Mugello site. It is also thought that the discussions may simply be a ploy by Ecclestone to put pressure on Monza's representatives and force a conclusion sooner rather than later to the issue.

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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.