Ecclestone looking to drop 'one or two' European races

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Bernie Ecclestone is apparently mulling a plan to drop a few European races from next's years' F1 calendar, according to Russian media outlet RBC.

The news source quoted Formula 1's supremo saying that next year's calendar could see a reduction in the number of races to 18 from its current schedule of 21.

"That is exactly what will happen -- one or two countries will be excluded, definitely," Ecclestone said.

" I can't say which ones, but the new countries will be from a different part of the world. Not from Europe. Formula 1 is not the European championship, this is the world championship."

Recently, F1 has progressively departed from the European continent, with France no longer holding a race contract and Germany dealing with its own difficulties with keeping its race alive, while Italy's future is perhaps also in jeopardy, as Ecclestone invested in the Middle-East and reinforced F1's presence in Asia.

Unfortunately, franchises acquired in those zones have also struggled to remain in the supremo's good graces, with Korea, India and Turkey all failing to assure the durability of their events.

"It's not my fault," Ecclestone concluded. "I don't organise the races. It's their task to attract the fans."

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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.