When Hill the wet underdog lapped up Jordan's first win

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On this day in 1998, the Belgian Grand Prix started with the biggest pile-up in the history of F1 and ended with a wet underdog lapping up the win.

The sequence of events included David Coulthard's McLaren losing it on the run down to Eau Rouge in the rain, plowing into the barriers and then collecting an additional twelve cars!

Everyone naturally exerted caution on the restart, allowing Damon Hill to steer his Jordan into the lead, until rain master Michael Schumacher put himself in gear and took command.

The German looked all set for a classic Schumi win until he stumbled upon a lagging Coulthard on the run down to Pouhon, slamming into the back of the Scot and then following him back to the pits ready to take justice into his own hands in the McLaren garage.

Meanwhile, Hill was back in charge, but following a Safety Car intervention, the 1996 world champion was forced to contend with Jordan team mate Ralf Schumacher.

Hill spelled it out to Jordan in unequivocal terms over the team's radio.

"We race and we risk losing it all, or we stay put and get a 1-2, your choice Eddie!"

Common sense prevailed, and Jordan - the original Aston Martin F1 squad - collected its maiden Grand Prix win.

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.