London gets live pre-Grand Prix street demo

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Formula 1 cars will be roaring around the streets of London on Wednesday evening as part of a live pre-British GP show destined to promote next weekend's event.

The project - entitled F1 Live London - has been in the works for some time, but details of 'Run of Show' have been safely guarded for obvious security reasons.

The showcase event will kick off at 5.30pm tomorrow, with drivers taking to the closed-off streets around Whitehall.

Musical entertainment and a series of additional attractions which will include team displays, simulators and pit stop challenges will support the F1 programme.

F1 personnel and representatives of the motorsport industry will also be on hand in specific areas to meet and interact with fans.

The demonstration will be the first time F1 takes to London's streets since 2004, when a demo run was organised in the British capital around Regent Street and Picadilly Circus.

The event is also a strong testimony to Liberty Media's new approach destined to bring the sport closer to the fans and deliver a pre-Grand Prix all-encompassing entertainment package.

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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.