It's been fifty years since Jacky Ickx's first F1 win - at Rouen in 1968 - which was also the Grand Prix triumph for a Belgian driver.
Spa paid tribute to the 8-time Grand Prix winner before this Sunday's Belgian GP, with the 73-year-old running a few spirited laps on-board his former Ferrari 312B.
The stunning car, perhaps Ferrari's most elegant design, is now owned by former driver Paolo Barilla who put it back into pristine and period condition with the help of its original designer, Mauro Forghieri.
A veritable treat for the fans was the glorious sound of the V12 3-litre boxer engine bouncing off the Ardennes forest. Just like in the good old days!
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1970 Ferrari 312B F1 V12. Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps.
1970 Ferrari 312B F1 V12. Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps.
1970 Ferrari 312B F1 V12. Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps.
Jackie Ickx (BEL), 1970 Ferrari 312B F1 V12. Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps.
Jackie Ickx (BEL), 1970 Ferrari 312B F1 V12. Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps.
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.