Jones extends championship lead with British GP win

©CahierArchive

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©CahierArchive

On this day in 1980, Alan Jones triumphed in the British GP at Brands Hatch, leading home title rival Nelson Piquet and Williams team mate Carlos Reutemann.

The race was a Ligier festival in the early stages, with poleman Didier Pironi running at the front with team mate Jacques Laffite in hot pursuit.

But Jones took over on lap 31 of the 76-lap race and never looked back.

It was the Aussie's championship-winning year, and he would collect two more wins before the season was over, clinching the title by 13 points over Piquet.

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.