Massa wins inaugural F1 fiesta in Valencia

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Valencia hosted its inaugural F1 Grand Prix on this day in 2008, with Felipe Massa emerging as the event's triumphant first victor, the Ferrari charger outpacing Lewis Hamilton and Robert Kubica on the day.

The race, held on the newly designed circuit, was an uneventful affair with Massa maintaining control from the very start.

The high point of the race's excitement occurred when Kimi Raikkonen attempted to exit the pits before the refueling hose was fully detached on his Ferrari, thus inadvertently knocking over the team's refueler man, Pietro Timpini, who sustained a fractured foot and some back discomfort.

Massa's victory narrowed the championship race gap to just six points between himself and the leader, Hamilton.

Four other European Grand Prix editions were held in Valencia before the venue was permanently scrapped from F1's agenda, and for the better!

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.