Miracle crash survivor Sophia Floersch returns to Macau

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Sophia Floersch, whose horrendous crash in last year's Macau Grand Prix unwillingly earned her overnight fame, has made an emotional return to the Guia circuit.

The 18-year-old German is racing this weekend in the former Portuguese enclave with the Mercedes-supported HWA Racelab outfit alongside F3 teammates Jake Hughes and Keyvan Andres.

Floersch near fatal accident at the now infamous Lisboa corner left her with a spinal fracture that required 11 hours of surgery and a four-month recovery period, after which the young German returned to the track!

Racing in Macau this weekend offers closure on the past to Floersch who finished 23rd in Thursday's Macau GP qualifying session while Jake Hughes led the field, taking provisional pole before today's final qualifying showdown.

"It was my first race there last year," the 18-year-old told Motorsport.com.

"Until my accident it was the most amazing event I had ever contested. The track is incredible!

"It is so much fun to drive. After the incident, I knew I definitely wanted to return to racing and to return to Macau!"

And returned you have Sophia!

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.