The very last Italian to win on home turf

If you're only going to win one Grand Prix in your career, it might as well be your home race. And that was the feat achieved at Monza by Ferrari driver Ludovico Scarfiotti on this day in 1966

From his position on the front row, Scarfiotti suffered a laborious start but progressively moved back up towards the front and took command after 13 laps, never to relinquish the lead thereafter.

Incredibly, it was the last win for an Italian driver on home turf.

And the last Italian to win an F1 Grand Prix you ask?

That would be Jarno Trulli whose day of glory came in 2004 at Monaco.

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.