Farina writes up the first chapter of the history of F1

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On this day in 1950, Giuseppe Farina became the first victor of a Formula 1 World Championship event by triumphing in the inaugural British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

The Italian launched his race from pole and led an Alfa Romeo top-3 clean sweep, with team mates Luigi Fagioli and Reg Parnell completing the podium.

Juan-Manuel Fangio, also driving for Alfa Romeo, was in the running early on but was put out of the race with engine troubles.

A total of 21 cars took part in the Formula 1 world championship's very first event. And six races later, Farina became Grand Prix racing's first world champion.

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.