Sergio Perez pledges support to Mexico after disaster quake

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Force India's Sergio Perez has donated three million pesos ($ 170,000) to his homeland to help the victims of the earthquake which hit Mexico City yesterday.

The magnitude 7.1 shock was the country's most lethal earthquake in a generation and has inflicted mass casualties on the city and its vicinities with hundreds feared dead.

Perez lost no time in posting a plea for help and donations on his social media accounts

"I'm deeply concerned for what my country is living. It's time to be united," he wrote.

"I've made an alliance with @fund_carlosslim and for each $1 that @fundacionchecoperez receives, they will donate $5. I'd like to kick off this initiative by donating 3 million pesos. Please join us!"

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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.