Ex-Force India boss Fernley to head FIA Single-Seater Commission

Former Force India deputy team principal Bob Fernley has been named as the head of the FIA's Single-Seater Commission.

Fernley will take over the responsibilities at the head of the commission previously assumed by Stefano Domenicali, Formula 1's incoming chief executive.

Fernley enjoyed an over ten-year involvement with Force India that started when Vijay Mallya acquired the Spyker team.

But the Briton relinquished his role as deputy team principal of the Silverstone-based outfit in the summer of 2018 in the wake of the team's entry into administration and its subsequent takeover by Lawrence Stroll.

Fernley then oversaw McLaren's preparations and efforts for the Indianapolis 500 in 2019 but left the team following Fernando Alonso's failure to qualify for the blue riband event.

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The FIA Single-Seater Commission has been instrumental in the recent past in reshaping the junior racing scene and its array of feeder series.

Domenicali's predecessor at the helm of the Commission, former Ferrari and McLaren driver Gerhard Berger, oversaw the resurgence of European F3 as well as the creation of Formula 4 as a global series.

During his tenure with the Single-Seater Commission, Domenical oversaw the merger of European F3 and the GP3 series to form the current FIA Formula 3 Championship.

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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.