The Speedway pays heartfelt tribute to Gil de Ferran

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The world of motorsport was shell-shocked to learn of the passing late on Friday of two-time IndyCar champion and 2003 Indy 500 winner Gil de Ferran.

The 56-year-old French-born Brazilian driver suffered an apparent heart attack while taking part in a motorsport event with his son in in Opa-Locka, Florida,

De Ferran was endowed with a “wicked sense of humor, coupled with a full embrace of self-deprecation” that made him a favourite in the paddock, according to veteran IndyCar reporter Marshall Pruett.

But his outstanding qualities behind the wheel of a racing car were equally alluring.

Often described as IndyCar’s equivalent of Alain Prost for his remarkably smooth and precise style, de Ferran reaped the benefits of those assets from his early days in Formula Ford all the way up the ladder into IndyCar.

His greatest moment came at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2003 when he conquered the Indy 500 driving for Team Penske.

As a fitting tribute to Gil de Ferran, the Speedway lit up its scoring pylon on Saturday to display a special graphic honoring the late driver and his 2003 achievement at the Brickyard.

"Forever a champion, legend and friend ".

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.