Race and classic pictures

McLaren crushes rivals in Canadian Grand Prix raft race!

After countless years of hardship and struggle, it was an emotional return to the winner's circle for McLaren yesterday... well, sort of.

Formula 1's raft race, an event which was a fixture in Montreal for many years, was revived this year, much to the pleasure of the teams and fans.

A host of teams - less Ferrari, Mercedes and Force India - fabricated their craft from scrap and set sail for a nail-biting, paddle-powered regatta across the river and back.

Helped by the presence on-board of Olympic rowing medalist Tom Stallard, the McLaren crew took a dominant win.

The triumph enticed many to ask McLaren race director Eric Boullier if Fernando Alonso will now be staying at the Woking-based outfit in 2018, the Spaniard having said that his staying was conditional on McLaren winning by September.

"Yes, we won. Fernando now has to stay...", said the Frenchman.

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.