Lucky Prost leaps into second F1 world title

©Twitter/AdelaideGP

F1 fans witnessed a dramatic season finale on this day in Adelaide in 1986 when McLaren's Alain Prost lucked into his second world title.

Williams' Nigel Mansell was on course to snatch his first crown with 20 laps to go when disaster struck as the FW11's left-rear tyre exploded, shattering the Briton's dreams.

Nelson Piquet who was also in the running for the title could have saved the day for himself and Williams, but the team – fearing another tyre failure – opted to pit the Brazilian for a fresh set of rubber as a precautionary measure.

The decision paved the way for Prost to move ahead and secure the world crown by two points from an inconsolable Mansell.

©Twitter/AdelaideGP

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.