Race and classic pictures

Rocky checks in on Formula 1's heavyweights

Hollywood superstar Sylvester Stallone visited Monza last weekend on race day and his first port of call were championship leaders and F1 heavyweights Red Bull Racing.

The bulls' crews were obviously delighted to meet Rocky and strike the 76-year-old actor's trademark fist pose during the photo opp.

It wasn't Stallone's first trip to the Italian Grand Prix, as the American had visited Monza back in 1997 when he ambitioned to put together a film set in the world of Formula 1.

Unfortunately, the actor and then F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone couldn't find a middle ground on the rights for the film, which led to Stallone switching his interest to IndyCar and producing the rather uninspired and second-rate flix 'Driven'.

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.