'Proud' Boullier sees potential for great racing at Paul Ricard

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McLaren racing director Eric Boullier believes next weekend's French Grand Prix at Paul Ricard will provide fans with a fantastic opportunity to witness some great racing.

The Frenchman was part of the small but effective group of individuals that contributed to bringing back the classic event - last run in 2008 at Magny Cours - to the Formula 1 calendar.

"I’m both pleased and proud to be returning to the Circuit Paul Ricard as Formula 1 returns to host a Grand Prix for the first time there in almost thirty years," said Boullier.

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"It’s definitely been a labour of love for all involved, and I’m very appreciative of the opportunity to have been part of the process to bring it back onto the calendar.

"I’m confident that the facilities will be viewed as among the best of all the circuits we visit, and the organisers should be very satisfied with what has been achieved to re-establish this circuit that holds so many great racing memories for a lot of people."

Blending the prestige of the event with Paul Ricard's sunny environment and demanding lay-out should ensure an action-packed and fun weekend of racing, according to Boullier.

"It’s been a long process since the campaign first began, but a worthwhile one, and I think we have the potential for some great racing there next weekend," he said.

"In addition, welcoming another Grand Prix to a European venue with such a rich heritage in Formula 1 as France is also very pleasing, and I hope it will prove to be another fantastic destination for fans to enjoy visiting.

"By design this circuit is no mean feat, and it’ll certainly be both a challenging and exhilarating track for the engineers and drivers to get their heads around."

As for McLaren's own prospects, Boullier sees only a possibility of improvement after a very disappointing showing in Montreal.

"Our focus must first and foremost be on reliability after our recent spate of retirements," said the Woking-based team's boss.

"We’ve worked hard to understand our performance issues in Canada and hope that in France we can put in a more representative showing on track."

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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.