From pit wall to podium: James Vowles wins class at Gulf 12 Hours!

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James Vowles’ second race weekend in Abu Dhabi came with a little less spreadsheets and a lot more steering wheel and with a class win in the Gulf 12 Hours.

The Williams team principal teamed up with Alexander West, Marco Pulcini and Mark Sansom to steer their Garage 59-entered 8 McLaren 720S GT3to P1 in class, P4 in Pro-Am and 13th overall at Yas Marina.

Not bad for a man known especially for his strategy calls and team management brilliance.

“P1 in class, P4 in Pro-Am (without a pro!) and P13 overall for the team today out in Abu Dhabi. Well done, really strong qualifying and great laps from Alex, Mark and Marco,” Vowles wrote on social media, summing up his victorious weekend with his trademark enthusiasm.

“On a personal note, I was delighted to claim P2 in Group 1 of qualifying. Fastest bronze – good start, long way to go! Tomorrow will be tough, an eight-hour race with a second four-hour race, but we’re ready for the challenge”

Vowles first sports car outing since 2022 ended exactly how every team principal secretly dreams: with a trophy… and no FIA documents to read.

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.