Categories: 2016 SeasonF1 News, Reports and Race Results

Jerez dropped from pre-season testing

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In a bid to reduce costs, new regulations for 2016 will cut pre-season testing from 12 to 8 days, with the year's first test scheduled at Circuit to Catalunya from March 1-4, approximately one month before the season gets underway in Australia.

Jerez had in the past often been the venue of choice for F1 teams as its location in southern Spain ensured clement weather while a much colder climate could potentially dominate proceedings Barcelona at that time of the year.

The tests are also scheduled during the week so as not to force the organizer to increase security, something which would be necessary had the running been scheduled on weekends attended by a larger number of fans.

One wonders why Formula 1, which is currently in dire need of some crowd boosting, would deliberately deprive fans of the joy of attending a pre-season test during the weekend. Apparently the team's monies take precedence over the promotion of the sport...

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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.