Leclerc cooks up a classic with Ferrari 312 'spaghetti'

©Ferrari

Charles Leclerc knows a mean dish of pasta when he sees it, but when the Monegasque was recently offered a chance to sample Ferrari's classic 312 F1 'Spaghetti' at Fiorano, he pulled off his bib and put on his overalls.

Ferrari's classic 312 F1, born in 1967 but which sprouted a wing in 1968 was nicknamed 'Spaghetti' for its intertwined white exhaust system that sat atop the car's glorious V60° 12-cylinder engine.

As a big fan of the Scuderia's historic war horses who often samples the Italian outfit's venerable machines, Leclerc was entrusted with the recently restored 312 F1 by its proud owner for a few flyers at Ferrari's test track.

©Ferrari

"I am very happy to have had this opportunity," said Charles after shaking down the ex-Jacky Ickx and Chris Amon machine.

"Going from my current F1-75 to this 312 F1 is like switching to a whole different sport, although the excitement you get from driving any Ferrari is always the same.

"But I really enjoyed everything about this Spaghetti."

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.