F1 fans to enjoy a few new treats in Austria

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Promoters of the Red Bull Ring are joining F1 in their efforts to bring the sport closer to the fans, with several novel initiatives scheduled for next weekend's Austrian Grand Prix.

The home race for Red Bull's teams will see a raffle draw deliver to three lucky fans a prize-winning ride in F1's official Safety Car driven by Bernd Maylander over the weekend.

But another plum prize for a fan competition will see a winner wave the checkered after Sunday's race!

The race weekend will feature its usual assortment of entertainment ranging from air displays to concerts, and will include a pitwalk on Thursday afternoon for ticket holders.

Race organizers will also recruit 22 young mascots - one for each driver - for Sunday's driver parade, while all children under 14 will enjoy free access to the track as long as they are accompanied by an adult.

The race's traditional demo parade of classic racers will showcase nine Le Mans cars, with ex-F1 drivers Jean Alesi, Gerhard Berger and Mark Webber on hand out on the track.

Red Bull's Helmut Marko will also be honoured next weekend at his home venue, taking a Porsche 917K similar to the one in which he won Le Mans in 1971 for a spin.

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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.