The hidden gem of Monaco 1984: A lost F1 phenom

40

In the collective memory of Formula 1 fans, the 1984 Monaco Grand Prix held on this day 41 years ago was all about the mercurial arrival on the scene of Ayrton Senna.

The F1 legend was just one lap away from making a massive splash in the Principality's torrential rain, and snatching a remarkable win from McLaren's Alain Prost.

However, third-placed man Stefan Bellof was actually the fastest driver on the track that day when the race was red flagged due to the daunting conditions.

Driving the nimble and agile Cosworth-powered Tyrrell 012, Bellof made a mockery of the treacherous elements as he hounded down both Prost and Senna, and would have perhaps overhauled both had the race run its full distance.

"I’m sure Stefan would have passed both Senna and Prost had the race continued," remembers his team mate back then, Martin Brundle.

"He was as quick a racing driver as I’ve ever seen."

Unfortunately, motor racing as a whole and Formula 1 in particular lost out badly when Stefan Bellof was killed at the Spa 1000 km in 1985.

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.