Eureka for Mika in Japan!

©CahierArchive

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©CahierArchive

On this day in 1998, Mika Hakkinen conquered his first world title by winning the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka.

The Finn had but a four-point lead in the championship over arch rival Michael Schumacher before F1's ultimate round and shootout.

Unfortunately for the German, it all went wrong at the outset when his Ferrari stalled on the grid, forcing him to the back of the field on the restart.

Schumacher's misfortune was Hakkinen's gain. Relieved of any pressure, Mika coasted to the checkered flag to collect the title and his eight win of the season, while his rival's charge through the field ended with a rear tyre failure caused by debris on the track.

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.