Race and classic pictures

Banzai ! Kobayashi puts Toyota on pole

Kamui Kobayashi and Toyota obliterated the Le Mans lap record yesterday in the final qualifying session for the 24-hour classic.

The Japanese driver, who raced in F1 with Toyota, Sauber and Caterham, delivered a stunning 3:14.791 time - more than two seconds faster than the previous record set by Neel Jani in 2015!

Actually, Kamui's lap was even faster than Hans Stuck's 1985 record lap with Porsche which was achieved on a circuit with four fewer corners!

Check out Kobayashi's stunning qualy here

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.