Brawn: F1 must make small teams viable

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Ross Brawn believes that the smaller teams which make up the rear of the Formula 1 grid must be offered a viable financial environment in which to operate.

The sport was reminded last week of the struggles facing those who do not enjoy adequate support when Manor Racing fell into administration after it failed to secure new investment.

A level playing would be in Formula 1's best interests, according to Brawn, and the sport must work towards such a foundation.

"One of the objectives should be looking at what can be done to reduce the margin between a small team and a big team," Brawn told ESPN.

"And can things be done to reduce the performance gain that comes from the level of investment the big teams can make.

"How can you level that? I think it's an interesting reference point for F1 to make small teams viable and make them reasonably competitive so they can pull the odd result out of the bag -- it makes it exciting."

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The man who led the foundation for Mercedes current success said that economics will always remain at the forefront of any team, but the problem is compounded for the smaller outfits whose decisions are directly linked to budget management.

"Small teams depend so much on commercial backing for their drivers that it influences the decisions they have to make on their drivers.

"I think that's another element of a healthy Formula 1, to make the small teams viable."

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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.