A table open to racers, family and friends

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Before the days of three-story lavish hospitality units, drivers would gather for lunch around a makeshift communal table.

Team mates or rivals, family or friends, lunch in the paddock was just an opportunity for some good camaraderie and banter.

Here in Rouen, during an F2 race weekend in the seventies, Henri Pescarolo, François Cevert, the Fittipaldi family and Jean-Pierre Jabouille savour lunch.

Bon appétit les amis !

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.