Picture of the day

Riccardo Patrese meets up with an old friend

While modern day F1 was doing its thing in Baku this weekend, glorious stars and cars from the past took a trip down memory lane at Imola, at the popular Minardi Historic Day.

Six-time Grand Prix winner Riccardo Patrese showed up looking lean and mean in period Williams overalls for a reunion with a Renault-powered FW14, the same car the Italian used to win in Monaco and in Portugal in 1991, and finish third in the World Championship behind Ayrton Senna and Nigel Mansell.

Needless to say, it was an emotional homecoming for Patrese.

"It was an incredible feeling getting back behind the wheel of the car that gave me incredible results, one of which was the front row of the grid beside Ayrton Senna right here in Imola in the 1991 Grand Prix," said an overwhelmed Patrese.

"The warmth of the fans was wonderful and I must congratulate Gian Carlo Minardi for having given life to this perfectly successful event with incredible machines.

"These events are even more beautiful than an F1 grand prix because they give all the fans the chance to come in touch with the cars and drivers."

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.