Niki Lauda's maiden year in F1

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Niki Lauda ran his first full F1 season in 1972, as team mate to super Swede Ronnie Peterson at March. It was a rather unassuming debut year for the 23-year-old Austrian, with a string of low-grid grid positions and a 7th place finish in South Africa as his best result. Not really a spectacular sign of things to come. Lauda is seen here at Monaco, waiting to take to the track while Graham Hill looks on in the background.

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.