Race and classic pictures

Taking the raucous Honda RA301 for a spin

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Not quite a 'Look Back' pic but in a sense it is. Fresh from lapping Motegi riding a Honda MotoGP, Fernando Alonso elected to go back in time and sample John Surtees' 1968 winged Honda RA301. Like its predecessor, the RA300, the car was co-developped by Lola Cars and featured the RA273E V12 engine whose raucous and very loud sound was a joy to any purist's ears. The RA301 was the last F1 car raced by Honda until its return to Grand Prix racing in 2006.

 

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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