French GP set for double celebration with 'F1 Revival' event

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This year's French Grand Prix at Circuit Paul Ricard will celebrate the track's 50 years and the sport's 70th anniversary with a special "F1 Revival" event that will exhibit a plethora of historic F1 cars.

A dedicated revival paddock housing part of Grand Prix racing's heritage from the past seven decades will be open to the public, while 40 cars from the past will take to the track during the race weekend.

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The historic field's demo laps will be divided into two categories based on their design and engines, with one group dedicated to single-seaters from the 1950s to 1980s and a second group featuring cars from the 1980 to 2000 era.

Organizers for the French Grand Prix will reveal later this year the list of single-seaters and Formula 1 drivers who will take part in the revival event.

Eric Boullier, Managing Director of the GIP Grand Prix de France – Le Castellet:

"I am delighted with the creation of this 'F1 Revival' paddock and these demonstrations at the next French Formula 1 Grand Prix.

'This show will be a real moment of inter-generational sharing on the occasion of the celebration of the various anniversaries that will mark our Grand Prix."

The 2020 French Grand Prix is scheduled to take place at Paul Ricard on June 28.

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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.