One Ferrari driver's dream that turned into a nightmare

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On this day in 2009, Luca Badoer was named as Felipe Massa's replacement by Ferrari, but it would be a nightmare experience for the rusty Italian.

Badour, who had failed to impress during his spell in F1 a decade earlier, was called upon following Massa's freak accident in Hungary where the trusty Brazilian was injured - and almost lost an eye - when he was struck by a metal spring from another car that struck his helmet and pierced his visor.

But what seemed like an unexpected and providential dream drive for Badoer quickly turned into a painful ordeal at the European Grand Prix in Valencia where Ferrari's substitute struggled at the wheel of the Scuderia's F60, ending nearly 1.5s off the pace of team leader Kimi Raikkonen.

After another lackluster performance at Spa, Badoer was put out of his misery and replaced from Monza by Giancarlo Fisichella.

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.