Honda's 'Earth Car' was anything but earth-shattering

Honda was full of good intentions when it unveiled on this day in 2007 its striking RA107 'Earth Car'.

The Japanese manufacturer rolled out its charger on which it had overlaid a picture of planet Earth as seen from space in a bid to draw awareness to climate change.

Such was Honda's quest for eco-friendliness that it even managed to convince its pool of sponsors to forego their presence on the car's bodywork.

A corporate absence that the team's numerous partners later did not regret given the RA107's dismal performance, even in the capable hands of Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello.

In fact, Honda's 'Earth Car' was so eco-friendly that it often did fewer laps than its rivals on race day.

Now how's that for environmental awareness?

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.