Alfa Romeo going back to its roots...

There's been much talk in the Yas Marina paddock about a possible return of the Alfa Romeo brand to Grand Prix racing through an association with Sauber.

The legendary Quadrifoglio badge was a force to be reckoned with at the dawn of Formula 1 in 1950 and 1951, with Giuseppe Farina and Juan Manuel Fangio winning two successive driver titles with Alfa Romeo.

Farina is seen here leading team mate Luigi Faglioi at the very first F1 Grand Prix at Silverstone on May 13, 1950. It was a 1-2-3 clean sweep for Alfa, with Reg Parnell completing the British GP podium.

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.