Malaysia GP boss 'suckered' by Ecclestone

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Malaysia Grand Prix boss Razlan Razali has slammed Bernie Ecclestone's dealings with Sepang and made his feelings felt in no uncertain terms.

Malaysia will host its last Formula 1 Grand Prix in October of this year as it pulls out of F1 for reasons of cost.

But Razali expressed disappointment in Ecclestone, who negotiated the lucrative race contracts that Malaysia says it can no longer justify paying for.

Ecclestone admitted recently that he often over-charged and under-delivered for F1's highest paying promoters.

"For him to come out with that statement, we can't help but feel suckered by him in some ways and quite disappointed," Razali told City AM.

But he also admitted disappointment with Ecclestone's successors at Liberty Media, alleging they rejected a plan to let Sepang go out on a high in October.

"We presented them with what we feel would be a good plan," said Razali. "Unfortunately, it is something that they can't help us with.

"We are not so convinced in how they can improve Formula 1 if they can't even help us in our final event," he charged.

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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.