Former Nissan/Renault boss Carlos Ghosn granted bail

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Carlos Ghosn, the former chief executive of Renault and Nissan has finally been granted bail by a Tokyo court after being held in custody for 108 days.

Ghosn was arrested last November in Japan on charges related to financial misconduct, something the Brazilian-born executive has vehemently denied.

Ghosn, for whom the court had rejected two previous requests for bail, paid nearly $9 million on Wednesday and was set to leave the Tokyo Detention House later today, ending the executive's particularly difficult solitary confinement.

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"I am extremely grateful for my family and friends who have stood by me throughout this terrible ordeal," said the 64-year-old who was instrumental in bringing Renault back to Formula 1 as a works outfit in 2016.

"I am innocent and totally committed to vigorously defending myself in a fair trial against these meritless and unsubstantiated accusations."

Ghosn was removed as chairman of Nissan and Mitsubishi following his arrest last year, and resigned from Renault in January.

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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.