Jenson Button: Head down in Oman

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Never one to shy away from a good physical challenge, Jenson Button was up and riding in Oman this weekend where he entered the Haute Route Oman.

The new event wasn't just a good pretext to escape the dreary winter and enjoy some warm weather riding, it was a grueling three stage 238-km journey through the desert, villages and deep canyons. Not to mention 5,500M+ of climbing, featuring the iconic Jebel Akhdar climb.

How did our 2009 F1 world champion perform?

"Tough three days of racing but I thoroughly enjoyed it," Button wrote on Instagram.

"Finished 30th which isn’t too shabby and had some great battles along the way, now it’s time to rest up before Super GT testing on Thursday!"

You just can't button this man down.

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.