The last of Grand Prix racing's privateers

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©Twitter

Turning 70 on this day is Hector Rebaque, who was Mexico's last F1 driver for three decades before Sergio Perez picked up the baton in 2011.

During his five-year spell in Formula 1 that lasted from 1977 to 1981, Rebaque campaigned as a privateer during two seasons, running his own Team Rebaque outfit and fielding a chassis from Lotus while making up the numbers.

Funding from state-owned oil company Pemex then bought the Mexican a seat at Brabham, alongside Nelson Piquet, for two years.

Hector's best result with Bernie Ecclestone's outfit was a trio of fourth-place finishes achieved in 1981, his final year in Formula 1.

His dream was to follow in the footsteps of the illustrious Rodriguez brothers, but Hector's efforts confined him to the role of a journeyman in the sport who never fulfilled that big ambition.

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.