Leclerc joins Lelouch for epic Monaco short film remake

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Monaco is deprived this year of its prestigious F1 Grand Prix, but Charles Leclerc will nevertheless take to the streets of the Principality early on Sunday morning, albeit under the orders of famed film director Claude Lelouch.

Lelouch's distinguished career includes the acclaimed classic 1966 film 'A Man and a Woman', notable for the racing background of one of its main characters played by actor Jean-Louis Trintignant, the nephew of two-time Monaco GP winner Maurice Trintignant.

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But Lelouch's body of work also includes the epic short film 'C'était un Rendez-vous' which depicts a driver's 8-minute mad dash from Paris' Porte Dauphine to Montmartre, a sequence entirely shot in a single take in the early hours of the morning with an onboard view and supported by the roaring sound of a Ferrari 275 GTB rushing past many of the beautiful city's landmark sites.

The French director and cinematographer will attempt a Monegasque remake of the latter - called 'Le Grand Rendez-vous' - during which Leclerc will rush a Ferrari road car fitted with cameras around Monaco's closed course.

There will be no Grand Prix in Monte Carlo this weekend and no Cannes film Festival, but Leclerc and Lelouch will bring the two together for a brief moment on Sunday morning.

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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.