McLaren boys take in the MotoGP action at Silverstone

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This weekend at Silverstone, McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri dropped in on their MotoGP colleagues to take in the action at the British Grand Prix.

For both young chargers, the thrill of the track, regardless of the number of wheels beneath a competitor's machine, is a passion that transcends any specific discipline.

Their love for all things racing becomes is an unwavering thread that simply weaves together different chapters of the same high-speed story.

Norris' infatuation with motorcycle racing is well chronicled. The sport was his first motorsport passion as a child, one that was fueled by the exploits of his idol Valentino Rossi.

Read also: Norris more than ever willing 'to stick it out' with McLaren

"I’ve always loved MotoGP, since before F1, although they hate me saying that!" he said at Silverstone where he declared his support ahead of Sunday's main event for works Yamaha rider Fabio Quartaro.

"I’m here supporting Fabio so I will be wishing [him] the best," said Norris, who enjoyed a helmet swap with the Frenchman.

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Unfortunately, despite the McLaren driver's unwavering support, Quartaro finished a lowly 15th in Sunday's event that was won by Aprilla's Aleix Espargaro who overtook reigning world champion Francesco Bagnaia's Ducati on the final lap of the race.

While Sunday's event wasn't Norris' first visit to a MotoGP round, it was Piastri's first opportunity to witness the sport's thrilling action and to meet a number of riders.

The Aussie even had a chance to try out for size Johann Zarco's Pramac Racing Ducati machine. But that didn't go down well with the McLaren driver's mother Nicole who offered a staunch warning to her son on social media.

After her son posted on Twitter a picture of himself mounting Zarco's bike and suggesting that he "thought he'd have a go", Nicole's maternal instincts instantly kicked into gear.

"Oh no you don’t!!! Move away from the bike Oscar Jack Piastri. My heart can barely cope with cars!" Nicole replied.

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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.