Happy '43' to another one of motorsport's greatest 'all-rounders'

Juan Pablo Montoya Roldan was born 42 years today in Bogota, Colombia.

While the concept has long since vanished from motorsport, Montoya could be considered one of the sport's greatest all-rounders, having won in F1, IndyCar, Grand-Am and NASCAR.

After winning the Indy 500 in 2000, as a rookie, the Colombian accepted Williams' offer to cross over to F1 in 2001, winning his first Grand Prix in Italy that year.

Montoya won seven times in F1, with Williams and McLaren but departed prematurely from Grand Prix racing in 2006 after falling out with the Woking-based outfit before the end of the season.

Hugely gifted and combative, a man with a buoyant personality who always provided good entertainment value, Montoya was considered by many to be world championship material.

His decision to cut short his career in Grand Prix racing was regretted by many, and perhaps shamed the sport more than it did Juan Pablo.

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.