The Ickx factor bursts on to the scene

©TheCahierArchive

The French Grand Prix at Rouen held on this day in 1968 was only the seventh world championship event for 23-year-old Jacky Ickx, but the works Ferrari driver conquered his maiden win in F1 with the ease of a seasoned veteran.

Starting his race on the front row of the grid, the Belgian relied on his flair to opt for a wet tyre choice while all his rivals had stuck with their dry compounds.

From the outset, Ickx was in a league of his own, mastering his competitors and the elements around the daunting Rouen course to finish ahead by almost two minutes.

Alas, the Belgian's joy was tampered with sorrow following the tragic death earlier in the day of Frenchman Jo Schlesser who had crashed on the second lap of the race and perished in the blazing ruins of his Honda.

And by the way, the picture above was taken by our good friend Paul-Henri Cahier, who was just 14-years-old at the time but already well on his way to following in the footsteps of his legendary father, photographer Bernard Cahier.

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.