A 35-year podium hiatus for France and Renault

Esteban Ocon's superb second-place finish in Sunday's Sakhir GP put an end to a 35-year hiatus for Renault and France.

Indeed, Patrick Tambay - seen here at the wheel of Renault's RE60 - was the last French driver to deliver a podium result to the French manufacturer's team in F1.

That achievement took place at the San Marino GP on May 5th, 1985, a race that Tambay finished third behind Lotus' Elio de Angelis and Arrows' Thierry Boutsen.

Let's hope the feat will be repeated by Renault and Ocon without further delay.

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.