Zak Brown rolled out iconic black beauty in Austria

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©Instagram/ZakBrown

McLaren Racing boss Zak Brown rolled out one of his prized possessions last weekend in Austria: Mario Andretti's championship winning 1978 Lotus 79.

An avid collector of classic racing cars and a competent driver in his own right, Brown brought the iconic black beauty to the Red Bull Ring as part of a demo run of historic F1 cars that took to the track and entertained the fans on Sunday morning.

Designed by the genial Colin Chapman, the Lotus 79 was a ground effect marvel and a car that took the British outfit to 8 wins in 1978 thanks to Andretti and teammate Ronnie Peterson, and to the world title for the legendary American driver.

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.