FIA celebrates world endurance champions Hall of Famers

Earlier this week in Paris, the FIA devoted its 2019 Hall of Fame celebrations to motorsport's long distance sports car racers.

Since the inception of the world endurance drivers' title in 1981, 28 great champions have been crowned, and the distinguished group of inductees came together in Paris for a family picture.

Sportscar legends Jacky Ickx and Derek Bell were in the front row, flanked by FIA president Jean Todt, but a look at the group photo reveals a tremendous gathering from which only one man was missing.

1991 world champion Teo Fabi was absent for personal reasons while 1984 laureate Stefan Bellof was represented by his elder brother Georg.

Here is the outstanding list of champions recognized at the FIA's ceremony.

Bob Garretson (1981)
Jacky Ickx (1982, 1983)
Stefan Bellof (1984)
Derek Bell (1985, 1986)
Hans-Joachim Stuck (1985)
Raul Boesel (1987)
Martin Brundle (1988)
Jean-Louis Schlesser (1989, 1990)
Mauro Baldi (1990)
Teo Fabi (1991)
Yannick Dalmas (1992)
Derek Warwick (1992)
André Lotterer (2012)
Marcel Fässler (2012)
Benôit Tréluyer (2012)
Allan McNish (2013)
Loïc Duval (2013)
Tom Kristensen (2013)
Anthony Davidson (2014)
Sébastien Buemi (2014, 2018-19)
Brendon Hartley (2015, 2017)
Mark Webber (2015)
Timo Bernhard (2015, 2017)
Marc Lieb (2016)
Neel Jani (2016)
Roman Dumas (2016)
Earl Bamber (2017)
Kazuki Nakajima (2018-19)
Fernando Alonso (2018-19)

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.