Mercedes-Benz's very first triumph in Formula 1

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This weekend at Silverstone, Mercedes is gunning for its 139 win in Formula 1.

But on this day in 1954, Juan Manuel Fangio led home team mate Karl Kling as the German manufacturer dominated the French Grand Prix at Reims to secure its first ever victory in the Formula 1 World Championship.

Mercedes' streamlined-bodied W196 Silver Arrows, powered by its mighty straight-8 fuel injected engine, set the pace from the outset on the 8.3 km power circuit, with Fangio and Kling running away with the race and finishing a lap clear of Robert Manzon's Ferrari.

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.