A trio of familiar faces, and a treasure of inspiration

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The Roar before the Rolex 24, a three-day test before this month's Daytona 24 Hours event, brought together a trio of familiar faces yesterday.

Fernando Alonso and Rubens Barrichello flank the always energetic - and frankly heroic - Alex Zanardi in the Daytona paddock.

Alonso will be racing a Cadillac DPi-V.R for Wayne Taylor Racing, while Barrichello will drive the same car but one entered by JDC-Miller MotorSports.

Zanardi is set for his first Rolex 24 Hours, the former Williams F1 driver and gold-medalist paralympian included in BMW's official line-up.

Motorsport has always had its fair share of inspirational stories, but Zanardi's own extraordinary story is as much about his unwavering courage and determination than about his success.

Alex is a treasure for all who fight to overcome adversity, and a hero for all of us!

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.