An F1 baptism of fire on home turf for Berger

On this day in 1984, Gerhard Berger started the first of his 210 Grands Prix, enjoying his baptism of fire on home turf at Zeltweg with the ATS team.

The 25-year-old rookie lined up P20 on the grid and kept it together until a gearbox failure just three laps from the checkered flag brought his effort to a premature end. Still, Berger was classified 12th on his debut, three laps down on winner and local hero Niki Lauda.

One week later, at the Italian GP at Monza, Berger would clinch his maiden championship point after a solid drive to sixth at the Temple of Speed.

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.