Race and classic pictures

When Nigel Mansell found himself on thick ice

Twenty-two years ago, Nigel Mansell put himself on thick ice when he entered the 24 Hours of Chamonix, an event that was actually made up of multiple heats, with driver changes and night racing.

The 1992 F1 world champion shared a Ford Escort with rally ace Ari Vatanen, just for the sake of adding an oddball moment to his distinguished career.

Hats off also to F1i's very own Pierre Van Vliet who, as French broadcaster TF1's commentator, took on the mandatory but brave role of co-driver for the two motorsport giants as they cut through the snow and ice.

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.