Silverstone kicks off enchanting 'Lap of Lights' festival

©Silverstone

Silverstone Circuit ushered in the holiday spirit on Friday when Anthony Davidson officially opened the venue's 'Lap of Lights' attraction with a few sparkling flyers on board Mercedes W10 Formula 1 car.

The magical light tour, that will run until January 3, is billed as the UK’s only light and laser drive and takes visitors on a global and glittering adventure from Silverstone to San Francisco, to the snowy Arctic and from Paris to the Pyramids.

It's a chance for families to drive the track in their personal car while taking in the laser show before indulging in various festive activities at the Ice Trak and Lodge located in the F1 pit lane and garages.

"Anthony and Mercedes-AMG Petronas have put on a great show and I could not think of a more fitting way to open Lap of Lights," enthused Silverstone boss Stuart Pringle.

"I have had to reassure Father Christmas that the rest of our nights will be run at a more subdued pace as I think he got a bit of a shock this evening when he saw the W10 approach his grotto at speed!

"After 11 months of planning it is great to see so many families here having fun and I look forward to welcoming many more over the festive period."

©Silverstone

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.