The day Love failed in Kyalami

Kyalami put itself on the Formula 1 map on this day in 1967, the historic track hosting the South African Grand Prix for the first time, a race that local hero John Love almost won.

The Rhodesian driver remarkably hustled his private Cooper-Climax up the order before a couple of retirements eventually put him in the lead!

However, Pedro Rodriguez's works Cooper was hot on the heels of the unexpected and sensational leader, and Love held his own until he was forced to pit to take on more fuel with just seven laps to go, allowing the Mexican to power on to snatch his first career win in F1, while Love was able to hold on to the runner-up spot as a meager consolation.

Pedro Rodriguez - Cooper Maserati

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.