Look back

A forgotten landmark win for Mario Andretti

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The very first Japanese Grand Prix took place in 1976, but the venue wasn't Suzuka, it was the Fuji track located in the foothills of Mount Fuji, in Oyama.

The landmark event - run in appalling conditions - has gone down in history as the scene of the dramatic world championship showdown between McLaren's James Hunt and Ferrari's Niki Lauda which ultimately crowned the former.

Few remember however that the winner that day was Lotus' Mario Andretti who collected his second Grand Prix win in Japan, five years after his maiden triumph for Ferrari in South Africa.

It was the start of a successful relationship between the greatest American racer in history and Colin Chapman's team. The partnership would yield ten more wins over the following two years and a world title in 1978.

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.