Bottas runs for the Starlight Children's Foundation

40

Valtteri Bottas concluded his summer break with on an athletic note, completing his own 'Valtteri Bottas Duathlon' in Finland, and for a good cause.

The Mercedes driver had been thinking for some time about setting up his own sports event, in his home town of Nastola.

"My own way of life is athletic, and I am a big fan of sports," says Bottas.

"The event was chosen to be an off-road duathlon, and I definitely wanted it to take place in my home town, Nastola.

"The aim is to create a nice event with a relaxed atmosphere – not forgetting a decent competitive spirit.

"It would be great if Formula 1 fans and people from Finland and abroad came to see where I’m from. Sports is such a great thing that I hope that this race, too, will encourage people to exercise more."

And to make it a charitable enterprise, all proceeds from the entries were donated this year to UK charity Starlight Children's Foundation.

Valtteri has been involved with Starlight’s work for many years and helped grant the F1 wishes of seriously ill children.

The charity's mission is to brighten the lives of seriously and terminally ill children and their families, helping them smile again whatever the future may hold.

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.