City of Nice unveils 'Jules Bianchi Street'

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A year and a half after his, the city of Nice honoured the memory of Jules Bianchi by naming a street after the late French F1 driver.

A ceremony unveiling the street took place yesterday in the presence of Bianchi's family and local community leaders.

Bianchi died in hospital in Nice after nine months in a coma following injuries sustained in a horrific crash in the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix.

The Marussia-Manor hopeful was on his way to stardom and tipped as a future Ferrari driver at the time.

The 'Rue Jules Bianchi' is located near the city's Allianz Riviera stadium and links up with the Rue Camille Muffat, named after the Nice-born 2012 Olympic swimming champion who died in a helicopter crash in Argentina in March 2015 at the age of 25.

"Jules loved football," said Bianchi's father Philippe.

"We are delighted with the position, in such a dynamic zone, and so full of promise."

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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.