Race and classic pictures

A race-worn Ayrton Senna helmet awaits a bidder

It's a rare occurrence for a genuine piece of F1 history linked to the great Ayrton Senna to come up for auction, but a helmet actually worn by the legendary Brazilian is even more uncommon.

Next month in Paris, RM Sotheby's is auctioning a Rheos lid used by Senna during his championship winning 1990 season, a year in which he conquered his second world crown driving for McLaren.

RM Sotheby's states that "the helmet shows signs of wear both inside and out and is accompanied by a certificate from Angelo Parrilla, Senna’s manager during his time in karting, to whom Ayrton gifted this helmet".

An outstanding piece of Senna's career, the helmet is offered without reserve although it's estimated to be worth somewhere between €80,000 and €120,000.

Because Senna was worth it!

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.