An impressive array of power kicks off the WEC's Super Season

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The World Endurance Championship kicked off its Super Season on Friday with its two-day prologue test at Paul Ricard and a healthy assembly of manufacturers.

An incredible 30 hours of non-stop testing are available to all the teams and drivers from Friday to Saturday - including night running - in preparation for the first race of the Super Season, the Total 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps in May, and of course the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June.

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.