Race and classic pictures

A flashy launch in Venice and four wannabee F1 winners

Over twenty years ago, back in the days when Formula 1 teams tried to outdo each other with glitzy and flashy launches, Benetton opted for Venice and its beautiful Piazza San Marco to present its 2001 car and a quartet of young drivers.

Surrounding the Renault-powered B201 were full-time racers Jenson Button and Giancarlo Fisichella - the ones with the glasses - and test drivers Mark Webber and Fernando Alonso.

The four young men obviously had no wins to their name at this time, but today they reside in F1's history books with 59 Grand Prix victories and three world championships, two for Alonso and one for Button.

At 42, the Aston Martin driver is set to embark on his twentieth season in F1!

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.