Jean Alesi appointed president of Circuit Paul Ricard

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Former F1 driver and Ferrari charger Jean Alesi has been named the president of the Circuit Paul Ricard.

The popular French driver, who started 201 Grands Prix during his career among motorsport's elite and who won the 1995 Canadian GP with Ferrari, will work hand-in-hand with Circuit Paul Ricard director Stéphane Clair.

"I am very honored by this appointment," commented Alesi.

"Circuit Paul Ricard marked the beginning of my career and confirmed my passion for motorsport.

"Looking back on my years as a young driver, I never imagined I would hold this position years later, this track is linked to my destiny".

Born in Avignon in southern France, Alesi made his F1 debut at the French Grand Prix at Le Castellet, racing for Tyrrell, and the young gun collected his first championship point on that occasion.

"This circuit is my life in motorsport," he added. "It is running at full speed and we are working on it in a structured way.

"When I was younger, I saw my first French GP there and I also attended as a spectator the winter F1 tests, listening to what was being said in the pits.

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"Team communications were less developed at the time and I remember the exchanges of Alain [Prost] or Ayrton [Senna] with their teams, that marked me for life.

"Above all, Paul Ricard was the venue for my very first Grand Prix in F1 in 1989. I had signed for a single race and I did 200 more. I can’t wait to start my mission."

Paul Ricard hosted France's showcase F1 event eighteen times between 1971 and 1990 and the again between 2018 and 2022.

Unfortunately, the track – which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2020 - has lost its spot on the calendar. There's no doubt that Alesi will attempt every effort to bring F1 back to Le Castellet in the future.

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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.