French GP set for call-off as country extends lockdown

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President Emmanuel Macron announced on Wednesday a month-long extension to France's lockdown, a decision that further jeopardizes the French GP scheduled for June 28.

The nationwide confinement period forced by the coronavirus pandemic will last until at least May 11, after which Macron hopes for a gradual easing of restrictions, although pubs, restaurants and theaters will remain closed for the foreseeable future while all mass gatherings remain banned until at least mid-July.

Brawn: Closed-door races in Europe could kick off F1 season

The latter decision likely implies a call-off of the French Grand Prix at Paul Ricard at the end of June, with the French race set to become the tenth round of the F1 world championship to be postponed or cancelled.

The event's effective scrapping would push back the tentative start of the F1 season to July 5 and to the Austrian Grand Prix. But if travel restrictions are still in force in Europe at the start of the summer, it's doubtful that F1 will raise the curtain on its season at the Red Bull Ring.

Last week, F1's director of motorsport Ross Brawn said a prolonged global lockdown could encourage the sport to kick off its campaign by holding a string of races behind closed doors, although it remains to be seen if local governments would authorize such a scheme.

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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.