Two on the trot for Laffite and Ligier in Brazil

©WRI2

40

©WRI2

On this day in 1979, Jacques Laffite won the Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos as Ligier continued to defy expectations, doubling his world championship points tally following his shock triumph in the first race of the season in Argentina at the wheel of the team's sublime JS11 'wing car'.

But unlike in Buenos Aires two weeks earlier, it was a full blue French onslaught with Laffite followed at the checkered flag by Ligier team mate Patrick Depailler.

"Allons enfants de la Patrie, les jours de gloire sont arrivés!"

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.