Race and classic pictures

Toto goes racing again, and 'Susie was not amused!'

Toto Wolff once pursued an active career as a racing driver, competing in Formula Ford and later in the FIA GT championship.

But when in 2009 he flew off the track at 270 km/h while attempting to break the GT4 lap record around the Nurburgring's daunting Nordschleife, and ended up with a few broken bones, the Mercedes F1 boss decided to call it a day.

He was back at the Ring this weekend however, taking part in a historic DTM touring car race alongside a few big names such as Klaus Ludwig, Christian Danner and Volker Strycek.

Wolff shared his ride, a Mercedes 190 Evo2 DTM, with Daimler marketing vice-president Jens Thiemer. The pair acquitted itself well, finishing 8th in an event won by Danner and team mate Stephan Rupp.

Asked what his wife, a former DTM racer in her own right, thought of his weekend stint behind the wheel, Wolff said: "Susie was not amused!"

 

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.

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