Race and classic pictures

Pescarolo powers up the old Matra for a spin around Charade

The circuit of Charade near Clermont Ferrand, which hosted the French Grand Prix in the late sixties and early seventies, lavishly celebrated its sixty years of existence this weekend.

Built around the base of an extinct volcano, the layout of the original track was considerably modified some years ago and brought up to modern safety standards, but the venue has still retained part of its picturesque character.

A distinguished collection of cars and drivers were reunited over the two-day event, and among those who paid tribute to Charade's roaring past was Henri Pescarolo onboard a 1968 Matra MS11.

And check out those triple pan-pipe chromed exhausts…!

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.