Hakkinen brings the old screaming girl back to life

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Mika Hakkinen was reunited with his 1998 championship-winning McLaren MP4-13 at Suzuka on Friday, the Finn running a few demo laps onboard the car that brought him his first title.

Hakkinen took part in a gathering of historic F1 cars, much to the delight of the spectators and many members of the F1 community as they were treated to the shrieking, high-pitch sound of the McLaren's V10 engine.

For the 50-year-old Hakkinen, twenty years after clinching the world title at the Japanese circuit, it was a fantastic and emotional trip down memory lane.

"You can imagine what it was like, particularly on this race track," he told Motorsport.com.

"It’s a fabulous race track, so many unbelievable memories, winning a world championship here against Michael Schumacher.

"Of course it feels like yesterday, it’s logical, because it’s such a strong memory."

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.