Keeping Alex Zanardi in our heart

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©Twitter

Special thoughts go out today to one of motorsport's most emblematic figures, Alex Zanardi, born on this day in Bologna in 1966, and who sadly left us earlier this year back in May.

Zanardi enjoyed 41 Grand Prix starts in his career between 1991 and 1999, but reached his peak in the US as a double CART IndyCar champion, in 1997 and 1998.

Tragically, his success in CART was cut short by a horrendous accident at the Lausitzring in 2001 in which he lost his legs.

But Zanardi, as brave and courageous as they came, surmounted the adversity to fight his way back behind the wheel of a racing car, supported by BMW in the WTCC and in endurance racing.

However, the best testimony to the Italian's exceptional fortitude, determination and heroism is his massive success in handbike racing, the Italian winning four gold medals at the 2012 and 2016 Paralympics.

In June 2020, Alex suffered a traumatic hand-cycling accident in Italy, which left him and his family with another massive battle to fight. Alas, it was one that he would ultimately lose.

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.