A handy spanner within reach... just in case

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Ever since his dramatic and almost terminal accident at Spa in 1966, Jackie Stewart insisted on having a pair of spanners tapped to the inside of cockpit, next to his dashboard.

Before the days of pop-out steering wheels, the readily available tools would have enabled the removal of the wheel in the event of a crash or a mangled chassis, trapping its driver.

This is Sir Jackie's Matra MS80 at the 1969 Italian Grand Prix, prepared for the unexpected, with instructions in both English and Italian.

A few ounces of prevention is worth a pound of cure...

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.