Magnussen kicks off BMW chapter with pole for Rolex 24

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Kevin Magnussen has kicked off his post-Formula 1 career in spectacular fashion, as his #24 BMW M Hybrid V8 will start this weekend’s Rolex 24 at Daytona from pole position.

While it was teammate Dries Vanthoor who clinched the top spot during qualifying, Magnussen’s presence in the cockpit is already generating buzz as he embarks on a new chapter in sports car racing.

After losing his Haas F1 seat, the Danish driver has embraced a fresh challenge as a BMW factory driver, focusing on the World Endurance Championship with WRT and key endurance events in the IMSA SportsCar Championship.

First on his list? The iconic Daytona 24 Hours, where Magnussen will share driving duties with Vanthoor, Philipp Eng, and Raffaele Marciello.

Magnussen’s relationship with Daytona is a promising one. In 2021, he was in contention for victory on his debut before a late puncture dashed his hopes, leaving him fifth. Now, as part of a finely tuned Rahal Letterman Lanigan-BMW collaboration, he’s aiming for outright glory.

With 11 manufacturers on the grid and an all-star lineup in his corner, Magnussen’s Rolex 24 campaign is already making headlines - setting the stage for what could be a memorable new era for the Danish racer.

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.