On this day in 1973, for the second time in its history, the French Grand Prix was held at the Circuit Paul Ricard.

To celebrate its domination of Grand Prix racing back then, American tyre manufacturer Goodyear brought together its teams and drivers for a family pic.

The shot is a good opportunity to test one's historic knowledge of F1, so we'll leave everyone to name the drivers in the picture.

As for the race itself, poleman Jackie Stewart was overhauled at the start by McLaren's new wonder boy Jody Scheckter who was only in his third Grand Prix, the young South African subbing for Peter Revson who was committed to an IndyCar round with team papya on the same weekend.

A big battle ensued between Scheckter and reigning world champion Emerson Fittipaldi which lasted until lap 41 of 54 when the Lotus charger made an over-confident move on the leader and took both drivers out of the race.

Just like George Russell in Austria last weekend, Ronnie Peterson was left to pick up the pieces to claim his maiden win in F1, with carlos Reutemann and local hero François Cevert completing the podium.

 

 

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.

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