Checo warms up 130,000 aficionados in Mexico City!

©RedBull

It was but a typical Red Bull show run, complete with burnouts and donuts and all, but one that warmed up a 130,000-strong crowd to next weekend's round of racing in Mexico City and to the winning ambitions of their national hero, Sergio Perez.

All suited and booted with a special Mexico City GP race suit and one-off helmet that he'll be wearing this weekend, Perez worked his fans and 'admiradores' into a loud frenzy on Wednesday along the city's iconic Paseo de la Reforma that almost covered the screaming howling of his RB7's V-10 engine.

©RedBull

"It feels amazing to back here in Mexico City, I never really imagined a moment like this," said Checo.

"I think as an athlete and a driver you always think about being on track making memories, but today was crazy, we took over Mexico City.

"It was such a special way to start my home Grand Prix weekend. Everyone was full of energy and the people have been amazing, even camping here since last night.

"I am really looking forward to seeing all the fans back at track this weekend too.

"My ambitions for this weekend are to be in the mix to win the race on Sunday and it would mean everything to me to come out on top in Mexico."

©RedBull

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.