When the third time was a charm for Lauda

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In 1982, it took only three races for Niki Lauda to seal his successful comeback to Formula 1 after walking away from the sport three years earlier.

The F1 legend - whom McLaren boss Ron Dennis had convinced to return to the fray - won on this day 44 years ago the US Grand Prix West at Long Beach, his first F1 victory in almost five years and his maiden win with McLaren.

It was a typical flawless drive by Lauda who took over the lead from Alfa's Andrea de Cesaris on lap 14 and never looked back.

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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.