Rosberg signs off from Williams with win in inaugural Australian GP

©Williams

40

©Williams

Keke Rosberg concluded his career at Williams on this day in 1985 with a win in Australia's very first world championship F1 race, an event run on the colorful streets of Adelaide.

The country's inaugural event was a popular affair with over 110,000 spectators packed around Adelaide's circuit.

Rosberg led at the outset but survived a tussle and a heavy contact with Ayrton Senna's Lotus half-way through the race.

The Brazilian had taken the lead but ultimately retired with engine trouble, leaving the Finn to collect his fifth and final Grand Prix win before moving on to McLaren the year after.

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.