Race and classic pictures

Is it a bird, a plane..?

During Sunday's race at the Circuit of the Americas, an overhead camera pointed at Turn 1 on lap 48 suddenly captured a large flying shadow creeping into the frame.

While the presence of birds of prey in the Texas skies is hardly unusual, the massive size of the silhouette was striking - practically twice the size of an F1 car!

Any keen ornithologists out there among our readers?

Update: The case has been solved!

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.