Carey 'proud' to bring F1 back to France and Germany

F1 CEO Chase Carey says he is proud to revive two traditional European races which are part of Grand Prix racing's sixty-seven-year foundation.

A provisional 2018 F1 calendar was published yesterday following a meeting of the World Motor Sport Council in Geneva.

The schedule includes 21 races and the return of the French and German Grands Prix, at Paul Ricard and Hockenheim respectively.

"We are proud to be able to confirm that the German and French Grands Prix will be held in 2018," confirmed Carey.

FIA president Jean Todt added: "It's nice to have France and Germany back on the calendar, as both have a long and rich tradition in racing."

It is a particularly early release for the provisional 2018 calendar, and the first under the watch of the sport's new owners, Liberty Media.

F1 will enjoy a triple-header in 2018!

"We wanted to finish next year's calendar early so that everyone involved has more time to prepare," Carey told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport.

"Thanks to our close cooperation with the FIA, we have succeeded."

Succeed they have, but the calendar also raised a few eye brows when it was revealed that France, Austria and Britain will be part of a bustling three-week consecutive run, or F1's first ever triple-header.

Next year's 21-race schedule will match what the teams endured in 2016, but there are fears that ultimately, Liberty Media's agenda is to extend the calendar to 25 races in the coming seasons in order to include what Chase Carey has labeled as 'destination cities', such as New York and Las Vegas.

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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.