A distinguished trio of Alfa Romeo veterans

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Yesterday's presentation in Arese of Alfa Romeo's new partnership with Sauber was attended by three well-known F1 faces from the past, all linked to the legendary quadrifoglio brand.

Riccardo Patrese raced for Alfa in F1 in 1984 and 85, and is still ranked as the seventh F1 driver in history in terms of Grand Prix participations.

While Nicola Larini never raced for the Italian manufacturer in F1, he did win the German DTM championship in 1993 with Alfa Romeo, and also raced for Sauber in 1997.

Finally, Bruno Giacomelli was the man to whom Alfa entrusted its return to Grand Prix racing in 1979.

'Jack O'Malley' came close to glory and almost brought Alfa Romeo its first F1 win since 1951 when he comfortably led the 1980 US Grand Prix at Watkins Glen until an ignition problem sidelined his Alfa 179. "Così vicini, eppure così lontani..."

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.