Bottas swaps F1 weekend for gravel race in Scotland

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Valtteri Bottas wasn't about to let a weekend go to waste in the wake of the cancellation of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola.

So the Finn – a devoted competitive cyclist - packed up his bike and traveled to Scotland along with his better half Tiffany Cromwell to take part in The Gralloch, a challenging 113km race entirely on firm gravel that takes riders deep into the hills of the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire areas.

While Cromwell stormed to an impressive solo win in the women's category, the ten-time Grand Prix winner finished his grueling event a creditable 114th out of over 1000 participants overall.

And when it was all done, the speedy lovebirds met up at the finish line for a beer and a victorious kiss!

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.