A trio of Honda drivers talk shop at Motegi

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This weekend, Honda organized its traditional end-of-season Thanks Days at Motegi where it brought together riders and drivers from its various motorsport programmes.

The popular annual event offers fans and families the opportunity to meet and greet their heroes in a laid-back and friendly atmosphere.

2018 Super GT champion Jenson Button, Red Bull's Pierre Gasly and IndyCar's Takuma Sato were on hand to showcase their skills and exchange their views on their respective runs.

Gasly in particular seemed enthralled with his laps onboard a Super GT, the Frenchman also demonstrating his Toro Rosso and emerging the worthy winner of a fierce kart competition that brought drivers and riders together.

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.