F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Former Michelin boss Dupasquier sees no need for F1 to return to the past

Pierre Duspasquier, the man who oversaw Michelin's racing efforts in F1, believes the sport would be wrong to rewind to the past and bring back loud sounding engines.

The Frenchman and the tyre manufacturer were among those who were at the forefront of F1's technical development, first during the golden turbo era in the 80s and then later, at the height of the V10 and the tyre war over a decade ago.

For all the talk about F1's current engines lacking sound, and therefore thrill, Dupasquier believes perceptions will change along with a new generation of fans adjusting to modern technological trends.

"Young people are in another category," he told France's Auto Hebdo.

"With the gaming consoles they're getting used to something different and they're seeing hybrid and electric cars on a daily basis as well.

"They will end up wondering why an F1 car makes so much noise," Dupasquier added.

The former Michelin racing boss believes reviving the past would set Formula 1 on the wrong path leading to the future.

"Nobody would understand this old machine in a time when road cars have all the modern finesse," he said.

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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.

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