US market a risky tightrope for Formula 1 - Marchionne

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Ferrari chairman Sergio Marchionne supports F1's efforts to further penetrate the US market but not at the expense of the sport's valuable heritage.

The Fiat-Chrysler boss recognizes the massive opportunity linked to the US audience as Formula 1 works to add at least a second race in America in the future.

But Marchionne also believes F1 should tread lightly in the US, and think long and hard about its approach to the country's fan base.

"I think it’s fair to say that Chase (Carey) and I agree we need space in the United States," Marchionne told the media last weekend in Italy as Alfa Romeo confirmed is partnership with Sauber.

"I think there is an opportunity here, if we do the things right, to make this a relevant sport in the U.S. environment. And if we do that I think it will benefit the sport tremendously.

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"But I put a big proviso on this. We need to be careful that this desire to make us attractive to the American public doesn’t end up sapping away the DNA of a sport that has some noble origins."

Marchionne admitted he wasn't all that enthusiastic about Formula 1's pre-race build-up show before this year's race, which he felt wasn't in phase with the sport's iconic image.

"I think we need to preserve it, we need to modernise it in a way which Americans find relevant," said the Italian-Canadian manager.

"And that’s the tricky part that I think Chase and I need to walk. We’re walking a tightrope on this because if we go too far to try and appeal...

"The performance down in Austin and the way in which we arranged the show was not what I think a Formula One event ought to be.

"But it was part of a trial and error exercise, I don’t think it worked incredibly well.

"I think a lot of the Europeans were somewhat taken aback by what happened. We need to find a halfway house that somehow appeases and actually enhances the interest of the public on both sides of the pond."

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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.