Button and Pirro take Legends Trophy wins

©LegendsTrophy

Jenson Button took a clean win in Saturday's first Legends Trophy event which was virtually run at Sebring, with Emanuele Pirro taking top spoils in the second reverse-grid race.

Button, competing in his 2009 Brawn GP world championship colors, enjoyed a clean sweep from pole to the checkered flag in his second Legends Trophy appearance, edging Juan Pablo Montoya while Esports rookie Jacques Villeneuve finished sixth.

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Button's win earned him a $10,000 check which he donated as agreed to a charity of his choice.

"It’s amazing how nervous you get," Button told Reuters. "I was more nervous on this in the race than I am in real life.

"I think it’s because every corner you feel like you’re going to end up in the tyre barriers."

Villeneuve's merits were highlighted by the fact that the Canadian was using an Xbox controller rather than a sophisticated steering wheel.

For Saturday's second race, the field of identical McLaren M23s lined up in reverse order, with Pirro starting from pole, blasting off the grid and never looking back, the Italian's early efforts helped by a multiple car pile-up occurring on the opening lap sparked by Gil de Ferran.

The podium was completed by four-time IndyCar champion Dario Franchitti, who fended off attacks from touring car charger Andy Priaulx, while Button clocked in fifth after starting P16.

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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.