Formula One Group adds new recruits to sporting division

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The Formula One Group is strengthening its sporting division headed by Ross Brawn by adding key expertise from within the sport's ranks.

F1's current management structure is comprised of Sean Bratches on the commercial side and Ross Brawn on the sporting and technical front, with both en answering to CEO Chase Carey.

Brawn has been advocating for a long-term visionary approach rather than a reactionary one to Formula 1's affairs, as was the case under the governance of Bernie Ecclestone. His new team has been constituted with that exact philosophy in mind.

Former head of aerodynamics at Williams, Jason Somerville, has joined F1 management as well as Craig Wilson, who previously worked as team leader at British American Racing, Honda, Brawn GP and Williams, and who joins F1 as Head of Vehicle Performance.

The third addition to Brawn's department is former former Mercedes Chief Strategic officer Nigel Kerr.

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Kerr played an instrumental role in the Brawn GP management buy-out from Honda at the end of 2008, with led to the team's all-conquering success and world championship title the following year.

F1's announcement said Brawn's team will "liaise with the FIA Formula One Technical Department and the teams sharing the outcomes of their work with a view to improving the entertainment value, the sustainability and the sport of Formula One."

"I am delighted to welcome three extremely experienced figures who have established themselves as experts within Formula One over many decades," said Ross Brawn.

"We are building a team that enables stronger links to be forged between Formula One's management and the sport's various stakeholders, ensuring that regulations are implemented with the involvement of all parties."

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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.