Race and classic pictures

Button revives world championship colors for Blancpain GT series

Jenson Button has teamed up with championship-winning GT outfit RJN Motorsport to enter a Honda NSX GT3 Evo in the 2019 Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup Silver Category.

The name of the new team - Jenson Team Rocket RJN - is a nod by the 2009 F1 world champion to his late father John Button who founded the Rocket Motorsport team in karting that won many British championships and promoted not only Jenson's talent, but also the skills of Lewis Hamilton.

"It’s great to be a part of this exciting new chapter with RJN and to bring the Rocket name back into racing," said Button.

"I’m sure a number of current drivers remember Rocket from back in their karting days and I hope we can use this platform to help with new young talent in GT and endurance racing.

"As a Honda Ambassador, I’m pleased to be a part of something that brings the Honda NSX to the Blancpain GT Series and I’m looking forward to seeing this project evolve."

The Honda's livery is evidently inspired by the 2009 color-scheme of Button's championship-winning Brawn GP car. A good omen.

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.