Beltoise's one-off masterclass and 'Jour de Gloire'

©TheCahierArchive

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©TheCahierArchive

One-time Grand Prix winner Jean-Pierre Beltoise was born on this day in 1937.

The late Frenchman started 84 world championship races between 1967 and 1974, racing with just two teams, Matra and BRM.

His single 'Jour de Gloire' came at Monaco in 1972 when he crushed the opposition in torrential rain at the wheel of his BRM P160B.

It was a flawless masterclass performance by the Frenchman in the Principality, but one that Beltoise would never repeat.

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.