Race and classic pictures

'Il Mantovano Volante' goes to the Source

Ever wonder what a pre-war Spa-Francorchamps looked like? Have a look at this picture of a dapper-looking Tazio Nuvolari standing at the track's famous La Source hairpin.

We're not sure of the year - and if anyone as an idea, please chime in - but we'll go for 1933, when 'Il Mantovano Volante' (The Flying Mantuan because he was a resident of Mantua) won the Belgian GP driving a Maserati.

Over the course of his prolific career, Nuvolari collected 72 major victories, including 24 Grands Prix wins and triumphs at the Mille Miglia, the Targa Florio, the RAC Tourist Trophy and at Le Mans.

Ferdinand Porsche called him "the greatest driver of the past, the present, and the future".

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.

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