Brawn will be in Barcelona

Ross Brawn, Formula 1's new sport managing director says he is eager to get acquainted with this year's cars as soon as they hit the track.

Brawn said that he will be heading to Barcelona at the end of February for the teams' for pre-season test, keen as he is to check out the new cars and get the ball rolling.

"I will come to the tests because I want to see how the new cars look," Brawn told Auto, Motor und Sport.

"We have a radical change of rules ahead of us and we should find out as soon as possible what impact this could have on the show.

"I want to be prepared for what awaits us in Melbourne," Brawn added.

Brawn wants cost effective F1 which caters to the fans

Brawn reiterated his praise of Bernie Ecclestone, a man he hasn't always seen eye-to- eye with, while admitting that a change at the top was requited.

"Absolutely irreplaceable. That is why F1 has been reorganised," he explained.

"I can't imagine anyone who could manage the sport as he did. The sport is deeply indebted to him. I hope he will come to a few races and continue to support us."

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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.