Schumacher ready to saddle father's F2004 prancing horse

On this day in 2004, Michael Schumacher conquered his 81st Grand Prix win, triumphing at home in the German GP at the wheel of a car set to roar again this weekend.

Schumacher's winning Ferrari F2004 will be entrusted to son his Mick at Hockenheim where the F2 driver will run demo laps for the home crowd on Sunday.

"I think it will be special," said the 20-year-old Ferrari Driver Academy member.

"I have a lot of good memories of Hockenheim, particularly from winning the F3 European Championship there last year, and to drive this car around there on a Grand Prix weekend is pretty amazing.

"I’m already very excited. I just hope everybody will have as much fun as I will.

"The F2004 is a symbol of great times for F1 in Germany, and I imagine that some of the spectators will have flashbacks to those times.

"I will do my best to help spark those good memories and I’ll try to make sure that everybody has a great time!"

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.