An F1 legend takes to Spa for the very first time

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Emerson Fittipaldi's distinguished career in F1 included 144 Grand Prix starts, 14 wins and two world titles, but yesterday at Spa the legendary Brazilian was a fresh rookie when he added another milestone to his achievements.

As oddly as it may seem, until Friday, Fittipaldi had never set a wheel on the iconic Belgian track, the scene – in its old or modern guise - of so many memorable motorsport moments.

Fittipaldi made his F1 debut with Lotus in the summer of 1970, just missing by a few weeks the last edition of the Belgian Grand Prix held on the original 14.1-kilomter daunting circuit. And when the Brazilian retired from F1 at the end of 1980, Grand Prix cars had not yet returned to the track's new layout.

The two-time world champion was invited by Spa to take part in the Historic F1 Demo runs that are taking place this weekend, and Emmo was more than happy with the opportunity to finally sample the Ardennes track.

To celebrate his first-time experience at Spa, the former Grand Prix driver - who is in Europe to oversee the apprenticeship of his son Emmo Jr in the Danish F4 championship - was reunited with his eponymous 1978 Fittipaldi F5A.

And the 74-year-old was naturally beaming with joy.

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.