Formula 1 showcase event planned for London

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Plans are afoot for a demonstration of F1 cars in central London ahead of this year's British Grand Prix.

It is over a decade since the last such event took place in the capital, but the project is now being lined up by The Formula One Group for the purpose of promoting the Silverstone race.

F1 CEO Chase Carey recently told the Times newspaper that he is alarmed by the lack of pre-race exposure associated with the country's major motorsport event.

"You could walk though London and not even know the grand prix was on," Carey said.

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London's Westminster City Council confirmed that talks are taking place about a potential "showcase event".

"Discussions are at a very early stage and as such nothing has been agreed," said a spokesperson.

If the event does go ahead, it will re-fire speculation that Liberty could be looking to run a world championship race on the streets of London.

"London is a great city, and there is no question when you think (about) where are the cities you want to be in," Carey told the Telegraph earlier this year.

"We are talking to a lot of people. Realistically I have got a page-long list of places that would like to have races," he added.

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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.