F1's Miami Grand Prix plans inch closer to reality

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F1's prospective plans of bringing Grand Prix racing to the streets of Miami in the future received a major boost on Thursday thanks to Miami Gardens Mayor Rodney Harris who previously opposed the project.

Liberty Media endeavor in South Florida and its attempts to add a second American race on F1's calendar has encountered several roadblocks over the past two years.

A planned circuit layout designed around Biscayne Boulevard was scrapped in 2019 following a staunch opposition from local residents, while relocating the race around the Miami Dolphins Hard Rock Stadium of the event's promoter Stephen Ross also hit the skids.

Again, local residents and political representatives opposed Ross and F1's race plans arguing that the event would disrupt life of residents of Miami Gardens.

However, despite a lawsuit initiated last year by a group of residents against Miami-Dade County, a dialogue remained opened between all involved parties, with various accommodations and also a change of layout tabled by Liberty Media.

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On Thursday, Miami Gardens Mayor Rodney Harris offered a joint resolution with Hard Rock Stadium designed to appease local activists.

The proposal includes a $5 million economic package for residents, businesses and restaurants as well as internship programs for local residents.

The plan also calls for the erection of noise mitigation barriers at specific areas of the track as well as air quality and noise monitoring during the race weekend.

The city council is set to vote on the resolution next Wednesday, and the outcome could permanently make or break F1 and Stephen Ross' struggling enterprise in Miami.

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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.