Our thoughts are with Nicky Hayden

Nicky Hayden has a huge battle on his hands as the former MotoGP world champion fights for his life following a bicycle accident in Italy.

The 35-year-old racer suffered severe brain damage and remains in extremely critical condition in Intensive Care unit of the Bufalini hospital in Cesena near Rimini, with his family be his side.

A shocked motorsport community paid homage and sent their prayers to the American racer, and F1i joins in on sending its deepest thoughts and hopes of recovery to Nicky.

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.