If you're going to drive just one F1 race in your life...

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Jonathan Williams enjoyed just one Grand Prix start in his colorful career, but it was with Grand Prix racing's most prestigious team.

The British driver was contracted to the Scuderia in the 60s, but his outings were limited to F2 and sportscars. An opportunity to race Ferrari's works P4 car in the Can-Am series in 1967 led to a leisurely spell in the US.

Between shifts, Williams was asked to travel to the Mexican Grand Prix, 'just in case'. The Scuderia had two cars on hand, both of which were initially assigned to star driver Chris Amon.

But the Kiwi rejected the spare 312, compelling Ferrari to put a very surprised Williams in the car with just 30 minutes of practice remaining, a decision motivated by the team's ability to collect extra starting money with two cars on the grid rather than by any sort of belief in Williams' talent.

Williams acquitted himself well however, ultimately finishing eighth.

"I stayed on the road to the end, while Chris ran out of petrol," he said in an interview with Motor Sport Magazine.

"So the record shows I beat him! I was getting quicker every lap, I was learning how to do this. It was a lovely car, easy to drive. Given time I would have been quick, it had no vices."

A journeyman but a free spirit, and a delightful individual, Jonathan Williams was born on this day in 1942. He passed away in August, 2014.

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.