Race and classic pictures

Ronnie Peterson's final Grand Prix triumph

On this day back in 1978, the great Ronnie Peterson achieved his last Grand Prix win, mastering his Lotus 79 in a rain-soaked Austrian Grand Prix at Zeltweg.

With Lotus team mate and championship leader Mario Andretti putting himself out of contention on the opening lap, the race was Peterson's to lose. Which of course was never going to happen.

Tragically, less than a month later at the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, Ronnie succumbed to injuries sustained in a fiery crash at the start of the race.

Gone but never forgotten...

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.