Hector Rebaque: Mexico's last F1 privateer racer

©WRI2

Turning 62 on this date is Hector Rebaque, who had remained Mexico's 'latest' F1 driver for three decades before Sergio Perez picked up the baton in 2011.

During his four-year spell in Formula 1, Rebaque campaigned as a privateer in 1978 and 79, running his own team and fielding a chassis from Lotus.

Funding from state-owned oil company Pemex then bought the Mexican a seat at Brabham, alongside Nelson Piquet, for two years. Hector's best result was a trio of fourth-place finishes achieved in 1981, his final year of Grand Prix racing.

He is seen here behind the wheel of his Lotus 79 at the Argentine GP at Buenos Aires in 1979.

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.