When F1 cars flew in Barcelona!

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Jackie Stewart's airborne Tyrrell, seen here in 1973, reminds us that there was a time when Formula 1 cars raced around the streets of Barcelona. The track was located on the Montjuic mountain overlooking the city. Races took place there as early as 1932, but in 1969 Montjuic Park was selected as the venue for the Spanish Grand Prix.

A challenging and variable layout which ran anticlockwise, the track was highly rated among drivers. Unfortunately, tragedy struck in 1975 when Rolf Stommelen's Embassy-Lola left the track, killing five people and putting an end to F1 cars racing around the park.

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.