Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Stewart urges F1 to respect its heritage

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Jackie Stewart has lamented the demise of the German Grand Prix, urging F1's power to "respect the sport's heritage" and not sacrifice tradition for money by excluding more European races from the sport's calendar.

After the German race was axed a few weeks ago, only Britain, Italy, Monaco and Belgium are left to uphold the European continent's historic link with F1's tradition. The former triple World Champion insisted that these countries, along with Germany and France, qualify as essential as they helped motorsport to become what it is today.

"I know it sounds like me being a purist," Stewart is quoted as saying by the Associated Press. "But you have to respect history. They should always be on the calendar - it’s terrific we have a US Grand Prix, a Brazilian Grand Prix, one in Bahrain, and that we are going to new countries. But you still have to respect your heritage."

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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.