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Copenhagen targeting 2020 Danish Grand Prix

A Danish consortium has initiated talks with The Formula One Group for the potential organisation of a Danish GP to be held in Copenhagen.

According to Motorsport.com, a group led by Helge Sander, former Danish Minister of Science, Technology and Development, and Lars Seier Christensen, ex-owner of Saxo Bank has submitted plans for a proposed street circuit which would run right through the center of the city.

The group apparently met in Singapore with F1 CEO Chase Carey and the sport's commercial boss Sean Bratches.

Ex-F1 racer Jan Magnussen, the father of Danish and Haas driver Kevin Magnussen, helped design the potential lay-out along with F1's resident architect Hermann Tilke.

The promoters claim to have the support of the Danish government, city authorities and the country's royal family. Denmark has never hosted a Formula 1 world championship race.

"We have had some very positive meetings with Formula One Management and my feeling is that they would love to have a grand prix in Copenhagen," said Helge Sander.

Lars Christensen, whose Saxo Bank sponsored the Lotus F1 team, is convinced an event in Copenhagen would be well received by the country's F1 fans, especially with local hero Kevin Magnussen on the grid.

"We will have no problems selling tickets for a grand prix in Copenhagen,” he said.

"There are currently four Nordic drivers in F1 [Magnussen, Swede Marcus Ericsson, plus Finns Kimi Raikkonen and Valtteri Bottas], and at the moment, their fans have to go to Belgium or the south of Germany to see them race.

"For the Nordic countries and also for the north of Germany, Copenhagen will be the ‘local’ F1 circuit. But we’ll need both public and private investors for a project of this magnitude."

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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.