'Scrap Friday practice!' says Renault's Abiteboul

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Renault Sport boss Cyril Abiteboul is calling for a shake-up of Grand Prix weekends, saying that Formula 1's new owners should start by eliminating Friday's practice sessions.

Speaking to French publication Auto-Hebdo, Abiteboul was asked about what Liberty Media and its new executive team should change following the coampany's take-over and the subsequent departure of Bernie Ecclestone.

"Liberty Media should be given a few months to analyse the situation," he said, "before it can comment on this issue.

"But generally, the current format of the race weekend has to change.

"Friday practice does not play any role. We need to think about this, because there are ways to make Formula 1 more dynamic without spending money and without affecting the structure of the teams," Abiteboul added.

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The Frenchman was also hopeful that the sport's new owners would walk the walk, and not just talk the talk.

"It can't be all words, there must be actions showing the direction in which Formula 1 should go."

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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.