Felipe Massa poised for FIA role in the future

©RichardMille

Felipe Massa could take on an official role with the FIA, representing Brazil, as part of his future retirement plans.

The 36-year-old will be leaving Formula 1 after the season finale in Abu Dhabi next weekend and insists he wants to remain an active driver although he believes it is too early to devise any definite plans.

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Waldner Bernardo, president of Brazil's automobile federation, has confirmed local reports that suggest Massa could represent his country at the World Motor Sport Council.

"Normally the (federation) president nominates himself to be part of the World Council," Bernardo told Globo.

"But I understand that Felipe Massa might be more useful than I am at the FIA.

"I invited him and on Tuesday, and before going to Europe he called me to say he had talked to his father, his friends, and understood that he could do something more for the sport," he added.

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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.