Race and classic pictures

Past to present: Enstone's legacy inspires Alpine's future

On Thursday, Pierre Gasly and members of the Alpine F1 team gathered to welcome home a car that represents the very roots of the Enstone squad: the Toleman TG183.

Raced by Ayrton Senna at the beginning of the 1984 season – which was the great Brazilian’s first campaign in F1 – the iconic machine was designed and built at Enstone, where the late Ted Toleman’s original team journeyed through various guises – Benetton, Renault, Lotus – before returning to its current Renault and Alpine form.

Amidst the bustling present of Formula 1, Gasly's contemplation of the venerable machine perhaps drew a connection between the troubled fortunes of the French team and the storied legacy of their predecessors.

As Alpine navigates through the challenges of the modern F1 landscape, turning to the echoes of history for guidance and motivation is always useful.

And the presence of Senna’s Toleman serves as a tangible reminder of resilience, determination, and the transformative power of perseverance.

In Gasly's gaze, there's a glimpse of hope, a recognition that while the road ahead may be fraught with obstacles, it is also illuminated by the enduring spirit of those who came before.

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.