Hill takes paternal '49' for a spin in Shanghai

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Damon Hill was reunited with his father's Monaco-winning Lotus 49 in Shanghai on Friday, taking the venerable car for a spin as part of F1's celebrations for its 1000th world championship race.

The 1996 F1 world champion found himself in familiar territory when he slotted himself behind the wheel, having driven his father's car on a number of occasions.

The R10 chassis was also once raced by Jochen Rindt and Emerson Fittipaldi, and indeed enjoyed its last competitive outing in the hands of the great Brazilian in Austria in 1970.

"It was great fun," Hill told Motorsport.com.

"I’ve driven 49s before, but I’ve never pushed them, although you’ve got a bit of space here.

"It’s very odd getting in – the way you get into them is very unique, because the steering wheels don’t come off.

"I can remember watching my dad getting in, and I’m putting my hands behind me and sliding in just like he did.

"So I have a little bit of a giggle to myself about that. However, he would have been 40 when he was driving it, and I’m a bit older than that now!"

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.