Pit wall command centers no longer needed - Symonds

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Former Williams tech boss Pat Symonds reckons that Formula 1 could simply scrap the presence of teams' command centers on the pit wall.

Team mangers and race engineers traditionally use the vantage point to direct a race and devise strategies based on extensive data fed to their computer screens.

But Symonds insists the command center is now an outdated concept which exists more for the benefit of F1's viewers than team executives.

"I would say that the command centres on the pit wall are meant more for viewers than the teams themselves?" says Symonds, now a consultant for Sky Sports F1.

"The team can operate fine from the garage, there is the same data and information inside. That would be no challenge.

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Symonds contends that the command center is a relic from a bygone era.

"The command centre on the pit wall dates from the time you really had to sit on the pit wall to see some of the action on the track.

"Now you look only at computer screens. You can turn around only to see the pit stops."

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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.