Hill and Williams close Formula 1's colorful book on Adelaide

©AdelaideGrandPrix

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©AdelaideGrandPrix

The words "Grazie Adelaide!" were registered on the side of Pedro Lamy's Minardi on this day in 1995, when Adelaide concluded its eleven-year presence on the F1 calendar with the very last Australian Grand Prix hosted by the cosmopolitan southern coastal city.

It had all started in 1985, when a magical feeling filled the Adelaide air.

Formula 1's presence in the vibrant Australian coastal city immediately proved to be a winner, helped by the drivers taking an immediate liking to the venue's street circuit and to the city's friendly atmosphere.

On this day, ten years later, Williams' Damon Hill closed the book on Adelaide with a win that had no bearing on a championship already wrapped up by arch-rival Michael Schumacher, driving for Benetton.

Ahead of the curtain dropping on the popular event, the words "Grazie Adelaide!" were stamped on the side of Pedro Lamy's Minardi as a token of the sport's appreciation.

However, the Australian Grand Prix would remain on F1's docket, moving to Melbourne's Albert Park in 1996.

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.