Verstappen and Marquez: A dialogue of Champions

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Max Verstappen and Marc Marquez, two of the most successful motorsport athletes of their generation, headlined last weekend's Honda Thanks Day event at Motegi where Honda celebrated its 2023 season.

The event marked Marquez's farewell to Honda as he prepares to join the Gresini Racing Ducati team for the 2024 MotoGP season.

But the atmosphere between the two champions was one of camaraderie and mutual respect, with the reigning Formula 1 world champion explaining the intricacies of an F1 steering wheel to his eight-time MotoGP world champion counterpart.

But Verstappen’s interest in MotoGP was equally fervent, the three-time F1 world champion expressing again in Japan his long-held desire to test a MotoGP machine.

While Marquez's move to Ducati signals a new chapter in his illustrious career, his legacy at Honda remains firmly etched in the annals of motorsport history.

His partnership with the Japanese manufacturer has produced some of the most memorable moments in MotoGP, and his departure will leave a void that will be difficult to fill.

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.