The man who gave BRM its final shot in F1

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Belgian driver Teddy Pilette, who was born on this day in 1942, only has one Grand Prix start to his name but he features in the sport's history books as the last man to try and put a BRM on the F1 grid.

Pilette, a European F5000 champion whose father André competed in nine Grands Prix between 1951 and 1964, and whose grandfather Theodore was the first Belgian to race at the Indy 500 in 1913, finished 17th with Brabham in his home race, the Belgian GP at Nivelles in 1974.

Three years later in 1977, BRM team owner Louis Stanley entrusted Pilette with the outfit's Len Terry-designed P207, a car Stanley hoped would revive the legendary British marque's former lustre.

Alas, Pilette's best efforts on four occasions were not enough to put the bulky machine on the grid, with the Belgian's final attempt at qualifying taking place at the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

As a result, BRM would fade away from Grand Prix racing in shame and embarrassment.

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.