Race and classic pictures

Track art!

The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal has its renowned wall of champions, but Silverstone now has its champion's wall.

The British Grand Prix venue unveiled this week a stunning piece of track art, created by graffiti artist James Cochran and placed at Farm Bridge.

Commissioned by Sky Sports F1, the spectacular work depicts six-time world champion Lewis Hamilton against a Union flag backdrop.

"For me it's about capturing him as a sports champion but also his humility as a person and I hope I have captured that in his expression," commented Cochran.

No doubt the strokes of genius will spur on Hamilton at Silverstone next summer…

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.