Monaco kicks off its historic racing weekend

©ACM

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©ACM

Two weeks ahead of Formula 1's return to Monaco, the Principality has gone back in time for its traditional and glorious weekend of historic racing.

The impassioned field of amateur competitors will showcase a priceless collection of machines spanning seven decades that will include 35 Lotus cars celebrating the memory of founder Colin Chapman who passed away 40 years ago.

Among the 120 Formula 1 cars set to roar through Casino Square will be 14 Grand Prix winners.

Although former Ferrari charger Jean Alesi hasn't returned for this year's event following his pugnacious display in 2021, the ex-Niki Lauda 1975 Ferrari 312 T will be on track, perhaps fending off the ex-James Hunt 1976 McLaren M26.

As F1 advances through time, a new category has been created for this year's event for cars from '81 to '85.

If you can't make it harbourside, Motor Sport Magazine's website will be streaming the action live on Saturday and Sunday.

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.