Race and classic pictures

Who took a dip in Monaco's harbour?

If you race along a harbour long enough, someone is bound to end up in the water. Modern day safety in Formula 1 has prevented such a peril but decades ago, two men took the plunge in Monaco.

Seen here are the soaked remains of Paul Hawkins' Lotus being pulled out of the water in 1965. The Australian driver had spun at the chicane on the 79th lap and darted straight off into the Mediterranean.

Fortunately, he was able to escape the sinking Lotus and swim safely to shore, greeted by his mocking mechanics who later attached a lifebuoy to his retrieved car with the moniker "Swimming Kangaroo".

But ten years earlier in 1955 Alberto Ascari had also gone for a cool dip with his superb Lancia D50. The Italian also swam to safety, but it was tragically but a short respite for the two-time F1 world champion.

Just four days after his Monaco plunge, on May 26, Ascari was killed while testing a Ferrari sports car at Monza.

Strangely, Hawkins also died on May 26. He was killed in 1969 when his Lola T70 crashed at Oulton Park.

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.