The long-awaited end to Ferrari's 21-year barren run

©WRI

On this day in 2000, Michael Schumacher brought the Drivers' title back to the House of Maranello for the first time since Jody Scheckter's crowning in 1979.

Schumacher held a 12-point lead over McLaren's Mika Hakkinen ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix and beat the Finn fair and square at Suzuka to clinch the title with one race to go.

The milestone achievement had been the result of five years of hard work by a team of high-profile individuals led by Scuderia boss Jean Todt and technical director mastermind Ross Brawn.

And how long has it been since the House of Maranello's last Drivers' championship, you ask?

That would be almost 17 years, with Kimi Raikkonen the most recent driver to win the title for the Italian outfit in 2007.

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.