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No Ferrari bio-pic for Hollywood star Christian Bale

©DR

Hollywood mega-star and Oscar winner Christian Bale has reluctantly dropped out of Michael Mann's projected movie 'Enzo Ferrari'.

The acclaimed British actor has stepped aside following health concerns linked to the necessary weight-gain necessary to play the legendary car maker.

While Bale's departure is a blow to the project, which has been is gestation for over 15 years, its production is still firmly on track and set to begin this spring while film director Mann seeks to re-cast the coveted role.

The story is apparently centered around 1957, a crucial period during which Ferrari faced several business and personal dilemmas, while the movie is based on the Brock Yates book 'Enzo Ferrari, The Man, The Cars, The Races'.

The iconic Commendatore's extraordinary life and achievements are also the subject of another film currently in pre-production and which is set to star Robert De Niro as Enzo Ferrari.

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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.