Super Hen - The Life of Brian

©Pirelli

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©Pirelli

Former British F3 champion, European F2 winner and F1 driver Brian Henton celebrates his 71st birthday today.

For all his credentials prior to reaching F1, the popular streetwise kid from Derby never shined at the pinnacle of motorsport.

By the accounts of many who worked with him - at Lotus, Tyrrell, Toleman and Arrows - he certainly didn't owe his shortfall to a lack of talent.

"Brian was one of the best I ever worked with, no doubt about it," remembers famed Ferrari designer Rory Byrne, who worked with Henton at Toleman from 1978-81.

"He had the talent to win Grand Prix and maybe even more if circumstances had allowed. Brian was all about drive, skill and ambition."

'Super Hen' competed in 19 Grand Prix, but his only claim to fame was the fastest lap registered at the 1982 British Grand Prix with Tyrrell.

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.