Buon compleanno Emanuele !

©WRI2

This gentleman - and he really is one - reaches 55 today. Emanuele Pirro started his Grand Prix career with Benetton in 1989. While his journey in Formula 1 lasted just three seasons and reaped just a handful of points, the Roman found greener pastures in endurance racing and enjoys the tremendous feat of having won Le Mans five times, on all occasions with Audi! A regular FIA steward at Grand Prix races, Pirro is also an avid competitor in historic racing.

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.