Leo Kinnunen, F1's first flying Finn, passes away

40

Leo Kinnunen passed away yesterday at the age of 73, and while he may have only raced in one Grand Prix, he still qualifies as F1's first flying Finn.

Kinnunen's only F1 start came at the Swedish GP at Anderstorp in 1974, where he raced a privately entered Surtees TS16.

His race only lasted eight laps unfortunately as he was sidelined early on with an electrical issue.

Kinnunen's claim to fame was winning the 1970 24 Hours of Daytona with Pedro Rodriguez in a John Wyer Porsche 917.

The victory put the Finn's name on the map as most had never heard of him at that point. The pair went on that year to collect World Sportscar wins at Brands Hatch, Monza and in the Targa Florio.

After his failed F1 endeavor, Leo Kinnunen eventually shifted his focus to the Interserie championship, winning the title with a Porsche three times in a row.

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.