Happy Birthday to Martin Brundle!

©TheCahierArchive

40

©TheCahierArchive

A veteran of 156 Grand Prix and our favourite F1 commentator, Martin Brundle was born on this day in 1959.

Brundle fought a huge battle with Ayrton Senna in the British F3 championship in 1983 which helped him secure an F1 ride with Ken Tyrrell the following year. He is seen here at Detroit in 1984.

Martin's 13-year career at the pinnacle of motorsport yielded nine podiums, including two second place finishes. He retired from F1 in 1996 to head to the commentary box, quickly becoming a popular pundit among the fans.

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.