A double dose of first titles for Hill and BRM

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Yesterday, we remembered Jim Clark's maiden F1 world title which he conquered in South Africa at the end of the 1963 season.

Today, we're back in East London to revisit Graham Hill's first F1 world championship which the Britain secured on this day in 1962, a year before Clark, by winning the final round of the season in South Africa. And the race itself was a title showdown between Hill and Clark.

The Lotus driver put himself in command from the outset, and ran comfortably ahead of his rival until an oil leak twenty laps from the checked flag wreaked havoc on a likely race win and the great Scot's championship hopes.

Hill secured his maiden crown while BRM conquered his first and only Constructors' title.

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.