Todt: 'Dominance is just part of motorsport'

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FIA President Jean Todt considers that Mercedes' current dominance of Grand Prix racing follows a theme which has always prevailed in motor racing.

Contrary to F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, who if he had his own way would put the Mercedes drivers at the back of every starting grid, Todt believes the focus of the sport's powers should be on providing opportunities for the rest of the field to catch up with the German manufacturer.

"I always wonder if people have selective memory," the Frenchman said to Finland's MTV Sport.

"Dominance in motor sport, or even in sport is general, is just a part of it. Fifty years ago it was Lotus and Jim Clark and Colin Chapman, then there was Williams' domination, McLaren's domination, Ferrari's domination, Red Bull's domination and now it's Mercedes' domination.

"Instead of talking only about one team's domination, we should be encouraging all of the others to make every effort in order to catch up with them and beat them."

In the past months, the FIA, and Todt in particular, has been at the forefront of efforts to revitalize F1, suggesting and imposing new engine regulations from 2017 and a series of other aerodynamic and mechanical changes in order to make the cars faster and level the playing field.

Speaking at last weekend's Spanish Grand Prix, Mercedes-Benz boss Dieter Zetsche said he would welcome closer competition in F1.

"Absolutely," he told Britain's Channel 4. "I like it when it's getting tight. As I said before the season, I would like to win the championship in the last race by 1 point."

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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.