A versatile speedster: Remembering the great Lucien Bianchi

©The Cahier Archive

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©The Cahier Archive

Born on this day in 1934, Lucien Bianchi carved out a remarkable motorsport legacy across multiple racing disciplines, earning respect for his incredible versatility, technical flair, and fearless speed.

The Italian-born Belgian was the ultimate all-rounder: a proven Formula 1 competitor who earned a podium at the 1968 Monaco Grand Prix, a fierce rally driver, and a titan of endurance racing.

His crown jewel moment came at the 1968 24 Hours of Le Mans, where he stormed to an iconic overall victory alongside Pedro Rodríguez behind the wheel of a John Wyer Ford GT40.

Tragically, Bianchi lost his life during Le Mans testing in 1969, cutting short a brilliant career. Motorsport bloodlines run deep, and racing fans will forever hold the name dear – Lucien was also the great-uncle of Jules Bianchi, the bright F1 star who was heartbreakingly lost to the sport in 2015.

Today, we honor a motorsport legend’s enduring spirit, his immense talent, and the indelible mark the Bianchi family has left on the heart of global motorsport.

©The Cahier Archive

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.