Rookie Brundle joins the big time in Brazil

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On this day in 1984, Sky F1's very own Martin Brundle stepped into the limelight, making his F1 debut at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

Brundle qualified his Cosworth-powered Tyrrell 012 in 18th position, a few spots ahead of team mate and fellow rookie Stefan Bellof, the performance earning the Briton a broad smile from Ken Tyrrell.

"I think it will take me two or three races to feel completely at home," the young apprentice told Motorsport's Alan Henry at the time. "My heart still misses a beat when I get it into a slide!"

The next day, Brundle drove a no-nonsense race to cross the checkered flag a remarkable 5th. Alas, Tyrrell was later excluded from the results for various technical infringements.

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.