Gilles Villeneuve: F1's still revered fallen hero

©ErcoleColombo

Gilles Villeneuve would have been 74-years-young today. And we say 'young' because we're pretty sure that if he had still been with us, the Canadian would likely still be spending most of his time with his hands on a steering wheel, preferably on opposite lock, as seen here at the 1979 French Grand Prix at Dijon.

Never forgotten, the F1 legend continues to be revered by many, as his famous number '27' painted on a piece of tarmac every year somewhere in Montreal or Monza always reminds us.

Happy Birthday Gilles!

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.