A day to remember one brave racer

©TheCahierArchive

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©TheCahierArchive

For many motorsport fans around the world, it's hard to seize the end of April and the beginning of May without remembering the tragic events that unfolded at Imola in 1994.

When Roland Ratzenberger lost his life in the first qualifying session for the San Marino GP, on this day 31 years ago, he was a talented 33-year-old Austrian driver with a flamboyant style and a delightful character.

His death was an absolute tragedy, not only for his family and friends, but also for the small tight-knit Simtek team for which he was racing in Formula 1.

Ratzenberger's accident was the first fatality at a Grand Prix in 12 years.

Alas, it would not be the last that weekend...

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.