A historic day for F1 and Lella Lombardi

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A special chapter in F1 history was written on this day in 1975 when Lella Lombardi became the first woman to finish a world championship event in the top six.

The Italian driver's unique result occurred in the 1975 Spanish Grand Prix at Montjuich in Barcelona, where Lombardi finished sixth at the wheel of a March.

Unfortunately, Lombardi's accomplishment was reduced to a mere footnote on that fateful day as the race was marred by the tragic accident of German driver Rolf Stommelen whose Lola lost its rear wing, sending the car over the barriers where it hit and killed three spectators, a photographer and a fireman.

The race was subsequently stopped after 29 laps, with McLaren's Jochen Maas declared the winner and half points awarded to the top-six.

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.