French GP will spur investment in motorsport - Laffite

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One man who is ecstatic about the return of the French Grand Prix to the F1 calendar is the always affable and ever young Jacques Laffite.

The former Ligier and Williams driver, now aged 73 and whose career in Grand Prix spanned over ten years, believes the revived event scheduled in 2018 will have a positive impact on motorsport in France.

"For someone who loves Formula 1 and who raced many times at the Paul Ricard circuit, I'm really happy to see the return of the French Grand Prix," Laffite said yesterday in Paris.

"Today, the younger generation isn't interested in Formula 1. I've got two teenage boys and neither one watches Formula 1 which is pretty surprising given their father's history."

"The great thing about the return of French GP is the fact that it will get great exposure, and perhaps rekindle the interest of the younger generation, and bring in new young drivers."

In addition to potentially generating vocations among the youth, the event will also spur on investment from the corporate world, according to Laffite.

"This will undoubtedly motivate and encourage young drivers, but it will also provide a great opportunity for new companies to take advantage of a platform to gain brand exposure or invite their clients.

"Given its motor racing heritage and prestige, I think that in this day and age, France deserves to have a place on the F1 calendar, so I'm extremely happy. "

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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.