Masi back in office with Aussie Supercars Commission role

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Former FIA race director Michael Masi is reportedly set to return to the racing world as the chairman of the Australian Supercars Commission.

Masi was sidelined as Formula 1's race director following his handling of last year's controversial season finale in Abu Dhabi, when the Aussie circumvented the basic rules governing the safety car procedure, which handed the title to Max Verstappen after a one-lap showdown against the event's dominant leader, Lewis Hamilton.

The FIA's investigation into the polemical race led to Masi being discarded as Grand Prix racing's chief steward and then to his exit altogether from the governing body earlier this summer.

Read also: Masi reveals ordeal of death threats after Abu Dhabi drama

But according to reports Masi is now set to replace outgoing Supercars Commission chairman Neil Compton. The Commission oversees the series' technical and sporting rules process ahead of their final approval by the category's Board.

Mais is well-acquainted with the popular Australian series, having officiated as its deputy race director for Motorsport Australia before joining the FIA in 2018 as F1 race director Charlie Whiting's deputy.

He then inherited the latter's role after Whiting's sudden passing on the eve of the 2019 Australian Grand Prix.

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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.