Senna's final triumph in the streets of Monaco

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The great Ayrton Senna ruled for the sixth and final time in the streets of Monaco on this day in 1993.

The race's record holder captured his fifth successive win in the Principality with McLaren, but with a bit of luck this time, having inherited the lead after 32 laps when a hydraulic leak put Michael Schumacher out of contention.

Senna's winning McLaren MP4/8 - chassis number '6' - actually went under the hammer at an auction several years ago in Monte Carlo where it was sold for a cool €4,197,500 to... Bernie Ecclestone, thus keeping the precious car in Formula 1's family.

However, Sebastian Vettel is also the proud owner of an ex-Senna MP4/8 which he put through its paces last weekend at Imola on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the great Brazilian's passing.

©TheCahierArchive

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.