Ricciardo to auction race suit to help Australia bushfire victims

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Aussie Daniel Ricciardo will auction his Renault race suit to help raise funds for the many victims of Australia's enduring bushfires.

The fires continue to rage in Australia, devastating land, homes and wildlife, mainly in New South Wales and Victoria, and bringing the country to its knees.

Australia's bushfires ignited months ago, but the intensity of the blazes took a dramatic turn in the last week of December, and continued to spread at an unprecedented rate, causing massive destruction.

Multiple government and private associations and relief services have been pleading for donations, and Ricciardo is determined to do his part, with the Renault driver auctioning off a signed race suit that he will use in this year's Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

"Australia is suffering with some severe devastating bushfires," Ricciardo said in a message posted on Instagram.

"Anyone who is kind enough to donate, please do.

"There’s the Australian Red Cross and there’s WIRES wildlife rescue. I’m sure there’s a bunch more but these are two I’ve donated to, so please, if you can.

"My race suit I’ll race with at this year’s Australian Grand Prix. I’ll sign that and we’ll raffle that and all proceeds will go to those two charities as well.

"I’ll get some details further over the next few days.

"My thoughts are with everyone who is suffering through this time and let’s act upon it."

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.