Sim driver Van Buren gets the drive of his life

©McLaren

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©McLaren

Rudy Van Buren was the inaugural winner of McLaren’s World’s Fastest Gamer esports competition in 2017.

His prize for winning the virtual contest was a job with McLaren as a simulator driver. In the past year, Van Buren has spent countless hours at Woking running sim programmes for the team and helping it extract more performance from its MCL33 raced on Sundays by Fernando Alonso and Stoffel Vandoorne.

On Friday however, McLaren entrusted the Dutchman with a classic M23 to run up the hill at Goodwood during the Festival of Speed. For Van Buren, it was the drive of his life.

"It's been one of the best things I've ever done," said the 25-year-old after his run.

"I'm a guy who talks quite easily but today I'm speechless. The car is amazing, the atmosphere is amazing and the people are amazing. I hope to be back next year!"

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.