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Ecclestone needs exit plan - Marchionne

Ferrari president Sergio Marchionne has urged Bernie Ecclestone to devise an exit plan in order to ensure a smooth transition for Formula 1 when his inevitable departure occurs.

As the sport's commercial rights holder, CVC Capital Partners, seeks to eventually sell its controlling stake in the sport, the 85-year-old Ecclestone has said that current interested parties would like him to remain in charge as chief executive of Formula 1.

But Marchionne believes a proper succession plan should be figured out nevertheless.

"Ecclestone knows that he is not going to be there forever and maybe this is also connected to the future of FOM," commented Marchionne.

"The real challenge for Bernie is to get organised. He needs to come up with a system where maybe some responsibilities can be developed differently.

"We have a responsibility to deliver a certain level of sound management continuity of Formula 1 with FIA and with FOM. So we really need to make the most of Bernie's ability to develop this sport in the best possible way. Believe me it is not easy.

"Bernie is quite a character, but he is a very nice guy and has an incredible strength. I don't know what I will do when I'm his age. What he has done over the last 10 years is incredible and he's still there."

Marchionne also believes that steps should be taken for the sport to appeal to a wider demographic base, and target a younger audience.

"Bernie should pave the way to prepare the future of the F1 world. This age issue is there, so we should ask ourselves: are we appealing to young people?

"This sport has great potential which has not been expressed yet. We need to make it entertaining because if everything is predictable, it gets boring.

"We should try to deliver more unpredictability, so to speak, so that results are unpredictable."

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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.