F1 stars get courtside tickets for NBA Paris game

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An all-star crowd at the Accor Arena in Paris enjoyed an NBA showdown between the Detroit Pistons and the Chicago Bulls on Thursday evening.

And among the familiar faces were NBA fans Charles Leclerc and Alpine teammates Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon, who akk took in the action seated courtside.

For good measure, the Bulls came out on top, beating the Pistons 126-108.

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.