Massa communes with Senna fans in Sao Paulo

©christian_ses_

Sao Paulo hosted its Senna Tribute fan festival yesterday, a week before the Brazilian Grand Prix, and the happening was a resounding success with the local crowd.

Emerson Fittipaldi and Felipe Massa were on hand to showcase a couple of the F1 legend's cars, with the latter enjoying a roar of applause when he drove Senna's debut F1 car, the Toleman TG184.

The local hero was not quite the Messiah as he rejoiced, arms spread, after his demo run, but it was close enough for the Paulistas...

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.