Race and classic pictures

A salute on this day to Patrick Tambay

There's an old belief in motor racing that nice guys don't win races. Patrick Tambay, who turns 73-years-young on this day, is among those who belied that silly assumption during his career.

The Frenchman kicked off his F1 career in 1977 with Teddy Yip's Theodore Racing Ensign team. Tambay's presence in F1 spanned a decade as he raced for McLaren, Ligier, Renault and Haas.

But he enjoyed his glory days with Ferrari which he joined in 1982 following the death of his good friend Gilles Villeneuve, winning twice with the Scuderia.

One will admire in this picture the stunning beauty and relative simplicity of the 126C. A beast and a driver from a bygone era...

Happy birthday Patrick!

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.