A 'Halo' of a very different kind...

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Enjoy this unobstructed view of Clay Regazzoni' sitting in his office back in the 70s, the aluminum cockpit of a Ferrari 312T.

Surrounded by cables, a few water pipes and the usual amenities of the day, drivers raced exposed and vulnerable to the ever-present dangers of the sport.

Their courage, spirit and mettle were made of the right stuff and embodied their aura, or a 'Halo' of a very different kind than the one which inhabits F1 today.

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.