Race and classic pictures

Book of the day: Grosjean unveils autobiography

They say that a little reading is all the therapy a person needs sometimes, but perhaps a little writing will also go a long way towards healing one's soul.

Less than eleven months on from his dramatic crash in the Bahrain Grand Prix and his miraculous escape from the blazing inferno, Romain Grosjean unveiled a book recounting his life in the fast lane.

Titled 'Facing Death' in French, with an English translation on its way, the book revisits the former F1 driver's career, while Grosjean opens up on his struggles from his early days in the sport, on the good times, the bad times and on the politics and events that shaped his career along the way.

But the book, interspersed with insightful comments and writings by Romain's wife Marion, reportedly offers an emotional account of the drama that unfolded at Sakhir almost a year ago, and the good fortune that allowed Grosjean to survive to race another day...

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.