Spanish GP to honor the memories of Senna and Ratzenberger

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The organizers of next week's Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona will pay a tribute to the memories of Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger who died 25 years ago this week at Imola.

The Circuit de Catalunya will host a series of commemorative moments and actions during the Spanish Grand Prix race weekend.

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The Spanish Grand Prix's pre-race ceremony will pay homage to Senna and Ratzenberger, while a special half-Brazilian and half-Austrian flag shall be displayed by the race's winner on the podium.

The gesture will hark back to the tribute Senna had planned on May 1, 1994 when the Brazilian projected to honor the memory of Ratzenberger by waving an Austrian flag on his cool down lap onboard his Williams on race day.

Alas, the McLaren driver would never get that chance.

Smaller versions of the flag will be handed out to fans at the circuit.

During race week, a life-size bronze sculpture of Senna created by British artist Paul Oz will also be exhibited at the Robert Palau building in Barcelona before being showcased to the public behind the Circuit de Catalunya's main grandstand along with a collection of classic F1 cars.

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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.