Azerbaijan GP gets sparkling bill of stars

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The Azerbaijan Grand Prix at Baku will enjoy a glitzy line-up of performing stars over the Formula 1 race weekend.

The event which takes place on June 25, and which was the recipient recently of some very clumsy comments by Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei, will provide all GP ticket holders with free access to its promising side-show.

Lewis Hamilton may get an extra boost of motivation in qualifying with ex Nicole Scherzinger performing Saturday afternoon, while six-time Grammy winners Black Eyed Peas will close the day.

We always thought that Mariah Carey - no relation to F1 CEO Chase Carey - was only brought out of storage during Christmas time but the record selling diva pop artist and headline act will be gracing the Baku stage on Sunday evening.

Baku gets apologies from Chase Carey for disparaging remarks

"It is hard to fully express just how delighted and honoured we are to welcome some of the most successful global music acts of all time to Baku," commented circuit boss Arif Rahimov.

"Mariah Carey is the iconic voice of a generation whose songs are known intimately by millions of people across the world.

"To hear her perform her incredible range of hits here in Baku will be a true privilege and the perfect finale to what is shaping up to be the biggest and best F1 race weekend of the season."

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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.