Brussels Formula E venue scrapped

©FormulaE

Belgian TV broadcaster RTBF is reporting that the Formula E round which was scheduled to take place in Brussels on July 1 has been scrapped.

The broadcaster said on its website that the local government of the city had voted against funding the infrastructure changes necessary to accommodate the Brussels ePrix electric car series.

Without the required subsidies and collaboration of the city and the commune of Koekelberg where the current venue is located, the promoter of the event would have no other choice but to cancel the race, unless a suitable alternative location can be found.

Brussels regional minister Rudi Vervoort was hopeful however that a different site could be designated elsewhere in Brussels, but rather for a future Formula E round organised most probably during the series' 2017/18 campaign.

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Rather than racing on traditional road courses, Formula E typically brings its races to the center of major cities, but setting up shop in large metropolitan areas has not been easy.

Berlin recently succumbed to environmentalist's pressure which forced organisers to move the city's ePrix from the renowned Karl-Marx-Allee back to the Tempelhof airport site where the inaugural Berlin ePrix was held in 2015.

The Berlin event is scheduled to take place on June 10, but Brussels' absence now means there will be a one month lull before the next race scheduled in New York on July 16.

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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.