Miracle survivor Sophia Floersch is back in the cockpit!

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Less than four months after her horrendous crash in the Macau Grand Prix, 18-year-old Sophia Floersch is back behind the wheel.

Floersch's car went airborne at 275 km/h after hitting another car and clipping a kerb on the opening lap of last November's F3 event in Macau, coming to rest after smashing into a photographer's tribune.

The 18-year-old survived the massive crash and impact, but underwent seven hours of surgery to repair a fractured spine.

This week, Floersch was back in action at Monza where she is taking part with the Van Amersfoort squad in a two-day test for the upcoming Formula European Masters championship, a series that uses last year's European F3 cars.

And by the way, it's International Women's Day, so well done Sophia, and good luck!

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.