When it rained for Senna, it poured for his rivals

On this day in 1985, at a wet and cold Estoril, Ayrton Senna clinched the first of his 41 wins in F1.

The great Brazilian annihilated the opposition in the Portuguese Grand Prix, navigating his Lotus 97T through Estoril's open waters with supreme skill.

A master in all conditions, Senna was in a league of his own in the wet.

And when it rained, it usually poured for his rivals, who were left to sink in his wake.

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.