Prost reunited with first F1 car 44 years later

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Last Sunday’s Grand Prix de France Historique held at the Circuit Paul Ricard saw four-time world champion Alain Prost reunite with his venerable McLaren M29, the very car with which ‘The Professor’ made his F1 debut in 1980.

Prost was one of several F1 veterans – along with Jean Alesi, Jacky Ickx, Gerhard Berger and René Arnoux among others – to grace the track and thrill the fans onboard their period machines.

The French crowd erupted as Prost took a nostalgic trip down memory lane, emotions undoubtedly swirling for both the Frenchman and the spectators who had the privilege to witness the special moment.

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.