French GP host welcomes potential time shift

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Circuit Paul Ricard boss Stephane Clair would welcome F1's proposal to push back the start of this year's French GP by two hours.

In a bid to boost TV ratings, Liberty Media is mulling the idea of scrapping F1's traditional 2PM race start and kicking off proceedings at 3.10PM, with the extra ten-minute offset allowing for a brief introduction and an advertisement break before lights out.

The French GP could start as late as 4.10PM however, a one-off exception to avoid the race clashing with a key FIFA World Cup match for Great-Britain scheduled on June 24, race day for the French event at Paul Ricard.

Later Grand Prix start times on the agenda for 2018

"The idea is very interesting," said Paul Ricard chief Stephane Clair.

"It would provide guests with the time to have lunch and get through traffic for their arrival at the circuit."

The Circuit Paul Ricard, located in Southern France near Marseille, last hosted a Formula 1 Grand Prix in 1990 and has undertaken a number of track modifications which should get the final green light from the FIA in February.

Extensive work is also underway to upgrade and extend the venue's press room and paddock area, and install additional grandstands offering a capacity in excess of 90,000 spectators.

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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.