Sato's thrilling high-speed game of inches at Indy

As a two-time winner of the Indianapolis 500, Takuma Sato's unwavering bravery and talent are well established.

But during his run in Saturday's opening qualifying session, the Japanese charger treated fans and those in the commentary box to a heart-stopping, white-knuckle moment.

As he exited Indy's Turn 2, Sato's car drifted wide and came within mere centimetres of hitting the Safer barrier.

It was a close call with disaster for the former F1 driver and another reminder of the split-second precision and intense commitment that Indy requires in a driver's pursuit of glory at the Brickyard.

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.