Laffite braves the elements in Canada - sets up thrilling finale

Ligier's Jacques Laffite mastered his rivals and the elements to win the Canadian Grand Prix on this day in 1981.

The Frenchman charged off the grid from P10 and navigated his way into the lead in the pouring rain, and never looked back.

Laffite's sixth and final Grand Prix win set up a three-way shootout for the championship's final round in Las Vegas three weeks later, where Nelson Piquet would ultimately prevail from Carlos Reutemann and Laffite.

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.