Old Williams boys open up Jeddah for business

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Saudi Arabia played a pivotal role in launching Williams into F1's stratosphere in the late 70s, with the British outfit receiving the bulk of its sponsorship at the time from the Kingdom's investors.

It was therefore only fitting for Williams to roll out in Jeddah a pair of FW07 cars from its Heritage collection to pay an homage to both the country and to Frank Williams who sadly passed away last Sunday.

F1 world champion Damon Hill and Martin Brundle, who raced for Williams at the 1988 Belgian Grand Prix, were on hand on Thursday night to do the honours of opening up the Jeddah Corniche Circuit and becoming the first drivers to lap the new track onboard an F1 car.

The moment was but the first of many tributes that will be paid to Sir Frank this weekend.

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.