The passing of a legend on a dark morning at Hockenheim

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It's been 57 years since the tragic death of Jim Clark on a damp and dark morning at Hockenheim on April 7, 1968.

In the picture here above, Clark is flanked on the grid by Lotus mechanic Dave Sims just minutes before the start of the first heat of the Deutschland Trophäe Formula 2 event.

Just five laps after the start, as the field traversed Hockenheim's forest, the Scot inexplicably veered off the track and crashed into the trees.

In one fatal moment the world of motorsport was rocked, astonished by the passing of a legend and of a man who many still consider as the greatest Grand Prix driver who ever lived.

From his humble beginnings, Clark raced with speed and style to the pinnacle of the sport, clinching 25 Grand Prix wins with Lotus - a record at the time - and two world titles along the way.

One will remember in particular the great Scot's banner year in 1965, an outstanding campaign marked by his second F1 world championship crown and his triumph in the Indy 500.

Fifty-seven years on, Clark's legacy remains intact.

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.