Ronnie Peterson: A racer with a very big heart

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It's perhaps only fitting that Ronnie Peterson, a man who had a very big heart, was born on February 14, Valentine's Day, in 1944.

His stunning natural ability to manhandle and drive an F1 car on the absolute limit was his exciting trademark.

The Swedish driver won 10 Grand Prix but figures among those F1's worthy champions - like Stirling Moss or Gilles Villeneuve - who never won the title, his career cut short at the Italian Grand Prix in 1978.

Ronnie would have been 80-years-young today.

©TheCahierArchive

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.