Race and classic pictures

Mercedes' Aldo Costa takes his own design for a spin!

Mercedes AMG F1 engineering director Aldo Costa was unleashed last Sunday at the wheel of his own design, the 2013 Silver Arrows W04.

Costa, who joined Mercedes in 2012, took the car for a spin during the third edition of the Historic Minardi Day organized at Imola.

All suited and booted, the 57-year-old engineer was all smiles as he climbed aboard the 2.4l V8 powered machine that collected three wins at the hands of Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg during the 2013 season.

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.