Alboreto steers Ferrari #27 to a win in Canada

40

In the past, any driver racing a Ferrari in Canada emblazoned with #27 was guaranteed the unconditional support of the local Montreal crowd, for the race number revived the emotional memories of the country's favourite son, the great Gilles Villeneuve.

On this day in 1985, Michele Alboreto was spurred on by the Scuderia's many Canadian supporters to conquer his fourth and penultimate career win in Formula 1.

After sparring early on with the Lotus of Elio de Angelis, Alboreto put his foot down to overtake his countryman and charge ahead for the remainder of the event, winning by a margin of 1.95-seconds.

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.