Race and classic pictures

Imola 1985: When Prost was too light to win

On this day in 1985, the San Marino Grand Prix ended in confusion with drivers appearing on the podium but ultimately not on the right step.

Initially branded the winner, McLaren's Alain Prost was disqualified two hours after the race ended when his car was found to be two kilos underweight.

Ayrton Senna had led for most of the race but the Lotus driver ran out of fuel four laps from the end, as did Ferrari's Stefan Johansson who came within three laps of winning his first Grand Prix.

The stewards eventually awarded the win to second-placed man Elio de Angelis, while Thierry Boutsen - who had to push his car across the finish line - went from third to runner-up, with Patrick Tambay completing the top-three.

We have no idea what Mr. Lauda was doing up there in the melee.

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.

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