A taste of the glorious W196 Streamliner

40

Mercedes took over Silverstone Circuit on Friday for a day of festivities, with the German manufacturer celebrating its 125 years in motorsport.

Given just half a chance to sample a legendary machine once raced by five-time world champion Juan Manuel Fangio, neither Lewis Hamilton or Martin Brundle would dare pass on such a thrilling opportunity.

The glittering glorious car was Fangio's 1954 Mercedes W196R, in its striking streamlined guise, which the Argentine and team mate Karl Kling put to good use that year at the French Grand Prix at Reims.

We'll likely enjoy footage of Hamilton and Brundle lively sweeping around Silverstone in the dazzling W196 in an upcoming feature on Sky. Can't wait…

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.