A salute on this day to the late Patrick Tambay

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©TheCahierArchive

There's an old belief in motor racing that nice guys don't win races, but the late Patrick Tambay, born on this day in 1949, was among those who belied that rule.

The Frenchman kicked off his F1 career in 1977 with Teddy Yip's Theodore Racing Ensign team.

Tambay's presence among motorsport's elite spanned a decade as he raced for McLaren, Ligier, Ferrari, Renault and Haas.

Known for his smooth driving style, he enjoyed his glory days in the sport with the Scuderia which he joined in 1982 following the death of his good friend Gilles Villeneuve, winning twice with the Italian outfit.

Sadly, we lost Patrick last December to Parkinson's disease, but his legacy as a skilled driver and his enduring passion for motorsports have made him a cherished figure in the history of Formula 1.

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.