Villeneuve back in the winner's circle, in EuroNASCAR

©EuroNASCAR

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Jacques Villeneuve enjoyed the view from the top step of a podium for the first time in 13 years, the 1997 F1 world champion winning on Saturday a round of the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series in Vallelunga.

Villeneuve, who qualified second at the wheel of his Academy Motorsport/Alex Caffi Motorsport Euro NASCAR FJ, overcame a 5-second penalty for jumping the start to grab his maiden win in the series.

The Canadian was pressured throughout the 18-lap race by reigning EuroNASCAR champion Alon Day but succeeded in fending off the latter's attacks to bring it home by a 6-second margin.

"Finally, it’s been a long time coming!" said an ecstatic Villeneuve.

"We have been fighting at the front a lot and the car was good in qualifying. We had a hard time in free practice but in qualifying the car was really amazing.

"I didn’t have to lift on the outside of turn 1. I just went for it and Alon lifted it."

Read also - Villeneuve: Verstappen should be further ahead

Villeneuve, who last raced in F1 in 2006 with BMW-Sauber, and who enjoyed his final Grand Prix win at the Luxembourg GP at the Nürburgring in 1997 with Williams, clinched in Italy his first victory since winning a round of the 2008 Le Mans Series with Peugeot.

The 50-year-old racer currently sits P9 in the EuroNASCAR Pro Championship ahead of Sunday's second race in Vallelunga and final round, with Dutchman Loris Hezemans topping the series' standings.

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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.