When Gugelmin went bottoms up in France!

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The 1989 French Grand Prix took place on this day 36 years ago at the Circuit Paul Ricard, and the start of the race was as spectacular as it was chaotic.

As the field barreled down to the first corner, Brazilian driver Mauricio Gugelmin outbraked himself, slammed into the back of Nigel Mansell and took off, the Brazilian enjoying an exciting upside-down view of his colleagues onboard his March Leyton House.

The race was red-flagged, re-started and eventually duly won by McLaren's Alain Prost, while Mansell finished second after starting from the pitlane in the Scuderia's spare car.

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.