F1 looking to add more races in 'iconic' Asian cities

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Formula 1 commercial manager Sean Bratches is in Asia this week where he revealed Formula 1's ambition to add more Asian street races to the sport's schedule.

Bratches confirmed in Shanghai a new deal securing the future of the Chinese Grand Prix but underlined the continent's huge fan potential and the possibility of bringing F1 to 'iconic cities' in Asia.

"I'm spending a lot of time reaching out proactively to cities ... and think ultimately we will realise more street races than we have seen historically," Bratches told the AFP.

"We will go to iconic cities where there are large fan bases, particularly new fan bases that we can activate," he added.

F1 agrees in principal to new Chinese GP deal

"We are very focused on bringing additional GPs to the continent here. We're in talks with a couple of cities to that end."

Among potential Asian destinations currently contemplated by F1, Vietnam is rumored to be under consideration with Ho Chi Minh City as a possible venue.

While Bratches talks of Asia's potential fan base, several F1 sponsors, like Heineken, have also expressed their enthusiasm with the sport's planned expansion further east.

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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.