Kobe Bryant's heart was entrenched in Italy

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The shockwave of Kobe Bryant's passing and that of his daughter and friends in Sunday's tragic helicopter crash was felt around the world.

Unbeknownst to many, the NBA legend spent a large part of his childhood in Italy where his family had moved to allow his father, pro basketball player Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, to extend his sporting career.

During his adolescence, Bryant learned to speak Italian, grew fond of pasta and was inevitably drawn to two of the country's biggest institutions: AC Milan and Ferrari!

A few years ago, Bryant was invited to the House of Maranello for a factory tour and some hot laps at Fiorano.

"I learned what passion, creativity and imagination really mean here," Bryant told the official Ferrari Magazine.

"Growing up in these cities filled with history was a constant inspiration and developed my imagination. Italy is the place of art, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.

"For an American kid it meant being constantly stimulated, always asking questions and looking for answers. On the basketball court, of course, but in other places, too.

"Because you may have scored all the points you want, or won all the trophies in the world, but if you don’t grow as a person, you’re nothing.

"The most important challenge for each of us is always the one which is still to come."

Mamba forever.

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.