Categories: 2016 SeasonF1 News, Reports and Race Results

First Azerbaijan Grand Prix in jeopardy?

According to reports from an advisor to President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, the country's very first Grand Prix scheduled in Baku on June 19 could be in doubt.

The oil-dependent nation has suffered massive economic loss in the past year following the collapse in the price of oil, and the government in Baku has now resorted to capital controls in an attempt to contain a collapse in turn of its currency.

"Azerbaijan is an oil country," said presidential advisor Ali Hasanov.

"The prices on oil and oil products have reduced threefold since early 2015. This means that Azerbaijan's revenues reduced threefold."

The country's state of affairs has only gotten worse since the start of 2016 as the oil rot continues while its currency has also lost 30 per cent of its value, leading to huge unforeseen budget cuts for the Caspian state.

Speculation is therefore mounting that Azerbaijan authorities, in an effort to save money, may be forced to simply cancel its 2016 Grand Prix event.

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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.