It’s race day for Valtteri Bottas!

It all started with Valtteri Bottas embracing cycling as part of his fitness routine for F1, but over the years the Finn has elevated his passion to a competitive level, especially in the off-road gravel category.

Earlier this year, the Sauber charger set out to secure a spot in the UCI Gravel World Championships by taking part in a series of qualifying events in which he achieved a top 25% finish in his age category (35-39).

So, this weekend, the 10-time Grand Prix winner is in Belgium where he’ll be taking part on Sunday in a grueling 182 km race on a gravel circuit laid out between Halle and Leuven.

“It’s gonna hurt & and I can’t wait for it!” Bottas wrote on in a message posted on social media.

“My goals? I want to challenge myself. I want to finish the race in one piece. And most importantly, I want to enjoy being part of all this, to the fullest!”

We’ll report on Val’s remarkable efforts after the weekend, but in the interim, best of luck to F1’s flying Finn.

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.