Mansell's finally breaks his duck after 72-race run

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It was a long time coming - 72 races to be exact - but on this day in 1985 at Brands Hatch, Nigel Mansell finally broke his duck and collected his maiden Grand Prix win.

The West Kingsdown circuit played host to the European Grand Prix, an incident-packed affair that local hero Mansell started third on the grid before he took command of the proceedings from Ayrton Senna on lap 9, never to look back.

Mansell's triumph at Brands with Williams was not the only memorable event that day as the race also saw McLaren's Alain Prost clinch his first world title.

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.