Ecclestone offers support to Ron Dennis

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Following rumors of Ron Dennis being forced out of his chairman and CEO roles at McLaren, F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has come out in defense of the 69-year-old executive.

Dennis' future at McLaren appears bleak with the famous F1 manager unable to secure the proper financial backing to buy out his fellow McLaren shareholders, who own 75% of the company while Dennis retains 25%.

Consequently, Dennis may no longer hold an active role with the company when his contract as chairman and CEO expires at the end of this year, and with his partners unwilling to keep him on.

Ron Dennis took control of McLaren in 1981 and diversified the company beyond its core racing roots. He remains an emblematic figure in Formula 1 and while Dennis and Ecclestone have often been at odds which each other with regard to the sport's management, the latter defended the former in Austin last weekend.

"If I was going to run a team I'd like to have Ron with me," Ecclestone said to Reuters.

"I think he does a good job. Anyone that chucks him out is stupid. He's dedicated.

"I think we ought to try and support him so they don't get rid of him."

Should Dennis' contract with McLaren not be renewed, he would obviously no longer be involved in the day-to-day running of the group, but would remain a prominent shareholder, unless his McLaren partners pony up on offer to buy him out.

An unlikely prospect for anyone familiar with Dennis competitive spirit.

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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.