Race and classic pictures

Rubber side up: Jos Verstappen’s Sunday somersault in Wallonia

©Verstappen.com

Jos Verstappen’s efforts in this weekend’s  Rallye de Wallonie took a dramatic turn on Sunday when the Dutchman’s Skoda came to a bone-shaking halt.

Max’s father, who is competing this year in the Belgian Rally Championship, was sitting a strong third after Saturday’s running. But on today’s opening stage, a moment’s loss of control sent the car off the road, where it overturned and came to rest in a far less elegant position than it had started the morning.

Images circulating on social media tell the story in full colour: a battered, upside-down machine that had clearly seen better days.

The Rallye de Wallonie confirmed the incident via its official channels, marking an early and abrupt end to his weekend.

And yet, amid the wreckage, the most important detail stands out with striking clarity: both Verstappen and co-driver Jasper Vermeulen walked away unscathed.

The car may have been left in pieces, but the crew fortunately did not pay the price for the drama.

©X.com

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.

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