Is F1 going back to Argentina?

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FIA F1 race director Charlie Whiting took a tour of Buenos Aires' historical racing venue this week, assessing the facility as Argentina contemplates a potential return to the Grand Prix calendar.

Whiting conducted an evaluation of the permanent track in the company of representatives from the country's automobile club and form Buenos Aires city government.

He was apparently pleased with what he saw although a substantial upgrade of the site would obviously be required for the track to host an F1 race.

F1 CEO Chase Carey is forecasting an expansion of the F1 calendar in the coming years beyond its current 21-race schedule, with several countries apparently interested in gaining a slot.

Chase Carey: '25-race calendar not a reality'

Buenos Aires could put itself on the ranks as the third race in South America alongside Brazil and Mexico.

The very first Grand Prix of Argentina took place in 1953 and the race was an irregular fixture on the calendar thereafter.

The last event to be held at the Autodromo Juan y Oscar Gálvez in Buenos Aires was in 1998, and was won by Ferrari's Michael Schumacher.

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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.