Is Panama City next in line as an F1 venue?

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Panama City and Liberty Media are apparently mulling the possibility of putting the South American city on F1's schedule in the future according to local newspaper Mi Dario.

Liberty ambitions to eventually boost the sport's calendar to 25 races, although such an increase likely won't materialize in the next few years.

Formula 1 commercial boss Sean Bratches often alludes to propositions from potential promoters that are submitted to the sport's commercial rights holder on a regular basis.

It appears however that Panama City has taken the first concrete steps towards putting itself on the F1 map, with local architects Mallol Arquitectos completing a feasibility study on bringing an F1 race to the country's capital.

A prospective layout of the city's circuit and virtual images have also been released - or perhaps leaked.

It is rumored that Panama City promoters will be closely following the affairs of the Mexican Grand Prix which holds a contract with F1 until 2022, and would be ready to pick up the slot for 2023.

Panama is a major offshore hub for the financial industry and the largest in Latin America. It focuses primarily on the banking, insurance and securities industries, whereas banking represents about 92% of the financial center's total assets.

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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.