F1 launches new Fan Festival in Barcelona

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F1 CEO Chase Carey suggested this week to the introduction in Barcelona of new initiatives aimed at encouraging fan engagement in F1.

It appears Formula 1 will launch a Fan Festival in Spain which will include a dedicated fan television channel, a specific Fan Zone, with simulators, a zip-line and a pitstop challenge.

There will also be a series of competitions which fans will be able to enter to win an exclusive access to F1's Paddock Club and rides in an F1 two-seater.

Corporate guests at the Paddock Club, Formula 1’s official hospitality offering, will be granted exclusive access to a range of show cars, including a full engine display from the AMG Mercedes team.

In addition, for the very first time, they will be able to experience the track up close as part of a tour in the drivers’ Parade Truck.

"Formula 1 is undergoing a major evolution and the Spanish Grand Prix is a landmark moment in the brand's history," said F1's commercial boss Sean Bratches.

"From the outset, we have focused on getting fans closer to the action and broadening the appeal of the sport.

"The launch of this weekend's Fan Festival marks the beginning of this journey and we are excited about bringing races to life in this way over the course of the season and beyond."

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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.