Hill becomes first second-generation F1 World Champion!

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Twenty-nine years ago today, Damon Hill conquered the 1996 F1 World Championship after winning the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka.

The triumph was the first in the history of the sport for the son of a previous world champion. Graham Hill had prevailed in 1962 with BRM and in 1968 with Lotus.

Emotions were mixed however for Damon who also bowed out from a Williams team that had ruled him out for the following year, regardless of him winning the title or not.

But perhaps the most enduring memory for British motorsport fans of that milestone day are the emotional words uttered by the great commentator Murray Walker as Hill crossed the chequered flag:

"... And Damon Hill exits the chicane and wins the Japanese Grand Prix. And I've got to stop, because I've got a lump in my throat..."

Good times.

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.