Clark and Lotus blitz the field at Reims

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Jimmy Clark was in a league of his own on this day at Reims in 1963, the great Scot dominating the French Grand Prix to take his third consecutive triumph of the season.

At the wheel of his nimble Lotus 25-Climax, Clark beat Cooper's Tony Maggs and BRM's Graham Hill to the flag in the 53-lap race that unfolded over two hours and ten minutes.

There had been some commotion and controversy just before the start when Hill stalled on the grid but was allowed by the French officials to remain in his position instead of being sent to the back of the grid.

Unbothered, Clark just powered away in the distance on his way to his sixth career win in F1 and eventually to 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.