Race and classic pictures

Alesi back in the saddle with Ferrari

©MorganMathurin

Former F1 driver Jean Alesi reunited with his old flame Ferrari at the Circuit Paul Ricard on Friday for a day of running onboard Niki Lauda's 1974 312 B3.

Alesi's presence on track along with fellow F1 veterans René Arnoux and Alex Caffi was part of a filming day supporting the promotion of the upcoming Grand Prix de France Historique that will take place at Le Castellet from June 11 to 13.

The 1995 Canadian Grand Prix winner wasn't holding back during his hot laps at the wheel of Lauda's 1974 race-winning car, and one can enjoy the moment in the short film hereunder.

Once a Ferrari driver, always a Ferrari driver.

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.

Recent Posts

Montoya reveals Russell’s unexpected Antonelli problem

George Russell’s battle against Kimi Antonelli at Mercedes is already a daunting challenge on pure…

23 minutes ago

Sainz: Williams struggles an ‘eye opener’ but turnaround achievable

Williams’ 2026 season was supposed to be the next step in a carefully plotted rebuild.…

2 hours ago

Pourchaire reignites single-seater career with Opel in Formula E

Former FIA Formula 2 champion Theo Pourchaire is back in the single-seater saddle, with the…

3 hours ago

Perez admits he ‘had doubts’ about returning to F1 with Cadillac

For much of 2025, the paddock conversation around Sergio Perez was surprisingly straightforward: a driver…

19 hours ago

Briatore questions Alpine’s results: ‘Why are we not winning?’

Flavio Briatore is not a man accustomed to standing on the sidelines of victory, nor…

21 hours ago

Richie Ginther: A man on the brink of F1 greatness

Richie Ginther was born on this day in 1930. A glance at the American F1…

22 hours ago