A wet-to-dry masterclass performance at Spa, à la Senna

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On this day in 1985, Ayrton Senna won the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa, skillfully managing the wet-to-dry conditions to claim his second career win in F1.

The Brazilian and Lotus driver - now perceived as a wet weather specialist after his outstanding win in the torrential rain at Estoril earlier in the year - headed home a distinguished quartet of past and future world champions, beating to the flag Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, Keke Rosberg and Nelson Piquet.

The race itself had been rescheduled to September following its postponement earlier in the season when Spa's freshly laid-down track surface had disintegrated the day before the race.

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.