Scuderia Ferrari's Alberto Ascari won Formula 1's inaugural Argentine Grand Prix, an event marred in tragedy on this day in 1953.
The race was F1's first flyaway F1 race and a milestone close to the heart of Argentina's president Juan Peron who had urged the country's national automobile club to set up the event to showcase his proud regime as well as the local talent.
Peron awarded the public with free access to race day, an ill-fated decision which saw the over-sized crowd line the track as the cars set off for their grueling three-hour race.
On lap 31, some poor sole sought a better vantage point, crossing the track right in the path of Farina's Ferrari appeared and forcing its stunned driver to take avoiding action. Alas, Farina lost control and crashed into the crowd, killing ten spectators.
As commotion and chaos ensued, Ascari pressed on while Peron quietly departed the venue.
