Hark back to race #1 for Force India

©WRI

Force India's cars will line up on the grid for the 200th time in Austria today, a milestone achievement for the Silverstone-based squad.

It all started in Melbourne in 2008, with a pair of VJM01 chargers all decked out in white, gold and red, and steered by Adrian Sutil and Giancarlo Fisichella.

Rooted in the foundations of Jordan Grand Prix, which later became Midland F1 in 2005 and then Spyker a year after, Force India went from backmarker in 2008 to top mid-field contender in 2016, picking up its maiden points at Spa in 2009.

A consistent and solid runner, Vijay Mallya's squad has always made the most of its relatively modest resources, and has often been hailed as Formula 1's most cost-effective outfit for its sponsors.

The team is currently facing uncertainty, with co-owner Mallya's personal trials and tribulations, and rumors of a sale. In the interim, Force India is alive and well, and a force to be reckoned with for its mid-field rivals.

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.