Copenhagen deputy mayor shoots down Danish GP prospects

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Copenhagen's chances of joining the Formula 1 calendar in the future have been dealt a blow by negative comments from one of the city's deputy mayors.

Earlier this year, F1 CEO Chase Carey visited Denmark's capital and held meetings with potential promoters for a Copenhagen Grand Prix, after which he expressed a fair amount of optimism about the country's chances of landing a deal with F1.

However, Ninna Hedeager Olsen, the deputy mayor for Copenhagen's technical and environment department, told Politiken newspaper that an F1 race in the city is "completely unrealistic".

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"The organisation of an event like Formula 1 is so extensive and requires so many resources that it is completely unrealistic for Copenhagen by 2020," she said.

Hedeager Olsen also underlined the inevitable disruptions the city would suffer if F1 set up shop in the center of Copenhagen.

"My administration estimates that Formula 1 could affect central parts of the city for up to nine weeks," she said.

"This is of course completely unacceptable."

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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.