The tragic fall of one of motorsport's most gifted racers

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There wasn't much the incredibly talented Stefan Bellof couldn't do behind the wheel of a proper racing car.

At times, the electrifying young German driver appeared to defy the laws of physics out on a track, in F2, in sportscar racing or in F1, often racing on a tight-rope but oblivious of motorsport's perils.

But on this day in 1985, 40 years ago, Bellof took a disastrous step over a precarious line.

The 27-year-old was killed racing a Porsche 956 in the Spa 1000 km race when he attempted an impossible move on rival Jacky Ickx at the daunting Eau Rouge corner.

In our book - and we know it's a contentious choice - Stefan Bellof was the best F1 driver never to win a Grand Prix.

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.