F1 News, Reports and Race Results

FIA to split race official duties for Bahrain GP

The FIA has announced that it will split race official duties for this weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix, with Michael Masi remaining race director at Sakhir.

In Melbourne, Masi was slotted into the roles previously assumed by long-standing F1 race director Charlie Whiting after the Brit's unexpected passing.

While Whiting typically held several duties during his tenure, Masi has been nominated as race director and safety delegate for Bahrain.

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However, the Australian will not act as the permanent race starter, with that role assigned to Christian Bryll, event logistics manager for F1.

Furthermore, race control systems manager Colin Haywood will work alongside Masi as his deputy race director.

The FIA is still in the process of working out who will fulfill Whiting's duties on a permanent basis, but the Brit's multi-tasking responsibilities, which he owed to his singular expertise, are expected to spread among several individuals.

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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.