Gasly samples a bit of Honda's former glory

©Twitter

40

©Twitter

Ahead of next weekend's Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka, Toro Rosso's drivers visited Honda's F1 research and development center in Sakura.

As he toured the facility, Pierre Gasly could not resist the temptation to sit behind the wheel of a 1991 McLaren-Honda MP4/6, a car that brought the great Ayrton Senna his third and final world title.

Given half a chance, there's no doubt Gasly would have taken the race-winning machine for a spin.

"Always dreamed to seat in that car one day, thanks @HondaRacingF1. Piece of art & history," wrote the Frenchman on Twitter.

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.