Ecclestone looking to return to Africa, German GP still in jeopardy

Bernie Ecclestone wants Formula 1 to eventually return to the African continent.

The South African Grand Prix at Kyalami was a usual fixture on the Grand Prix calendar until 1993 when the event was dropped and never revived.

In 1958, Formula 1 visited North Africa with the Grand of Marocco which was organized on a street circuit near Casablanca.

"I would like to see a race in Africa," Ecclestone said, speaking to German newspaper Handelsblatt.

"The first conversations have already taken place and perhaps one more race in the US, let's see."

While speaking to the German media, the 85-year-old naturally commented on the German Grand Prix's current state of affairs.

Last year's race at the Nurburgring was cancelled for financial reasons and this year's event at Hockenheim - which alternates with the Ring - isn't looking in better shape.

"We wanted Hockenheim to wake up a little last year," said Ecclestone, who says the circuit has a contract for this year and 2018 which is "not an especially good one".

"They are still living 20 years behind the times when I compare it to other events."

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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.

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