Team orders gone wrong, and a lost friendship

©WRI2

The 1982 San Marino Grand Prix took place on this day, and it was anything but a simple affair.

For starters, Formula 1's independent teams had boycotted the race as a result of an acrimonious FISA/FOCA power struggle. This theoretically set up Ferrari for an easy win.

Indeed, Gilles Villeneuve took command and thought he could cruise his way to the checkered flag in front of team mate Didier Pironi after the two men were ordered to hold position in the closing stages of the race.

But the Frenchman promptly ignored the Scuderia pit signals and overtook Villeneuve for the lead on the ultimate lap. The Canadian was understandably livid and vowed never to speak to Pironi again.

He would seek revenge on the race track - as a true racer does - at the following race, the Belgian Grand Prix at Zolder.

Alas, fate would deny Villeneuve that opportunity...

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.