A salute to Jacques Laffite, a pure racer with a very big heart

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The forever young Jacques Laffite turns 80 today, but the years haven't aged this pure racer's very big heart.

A veteran of 176 Grands Prix, 'Jacquot' made his F1 debut in 1974 at the German Grand Prix with Frank Williams and an Iso-Marlboro. But the Frenchman won all of his six victories in F1 between 1977 and 1981 exclusively with Ligier.

Laffite is seen here above at the 1979 Canadian Grand Prix with famed Ligier technical director Gérard Ducarouge.

A lively, light-hearted character, Laffite has always worked hard at making life one long holiday for himself, with as much racing as possible, as a participant and later on as a TV commentator - a role his lovely daughter Margot has since embraced for French broadcaster Canal Plus.

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.