The first American Grand Prix was held at Long Beach, California, the first of two races held in the USA that year. The race was dominated by Clay Regazzoni who won from pole position and set the fastest lap in his Ferrari. The street circuit was hard on the cars and only five completed the 80 laps. On the third lap, James Hunt and Patrick Depailler, who were neck and neck in the drivers' championship, collided; Hunt retired while Depailler recovered to take third. The two yelled at each other in the press conference after the race, Hunt accusing Depailler of "flagrant stupidity" before warning him to "watch it". Depailler's interpreter added to the row by telling Hunt he ought to "learn to drive alongside people who could". Depailler tried to apologise but Hunt was having none of it and stormed off.
1993
Brazil hosted the second round of the F1 championship; after numerous accidents in the rain on the same lap left the track littered with debris, the safety car was used for the first time in the modern era for eight laps. The event also saw Ayrton Senna secure McLaren's 100th race win, despite a stop-go penalty, and Damon Hill's first podium after he finished second to the great Brazilian. "I could see there was a chance to win." Hill said, "but I couldn't keep up with him and was anxious to keep my second place and at last break my F1 duck." Michael Andretti and Gerhard Berger survived a spectacular cartwheeling crash on the first lap, both walking away with barely a scratch.
1952
British racing driver Tony Brise, who competed in 10 grands prix in 1975, was born in Erith in Kent. He was killed at the age of 23 on November 29, 1975 in the same crash as Graham Hill, when the plane crashed on a golf course in Arkley in thick fog.
1935
Racing driver Hubert Hahne was born in Moers, Germany; he competed in two grand prix, but failed to qualify for a third. He was better known as a touring car driver, and in a support race for the German Grand Prix at the old Nurburgring he became the first man to lap 'the ring' in less than ten minutes in a touring car. He completed the 14 miles in 9:58.5.
1929
Race driver Paul England was born in Melbourne, Australia. He competed in one German Grand Prix, in 1957, driving a Cooper Climax. After he retired from competition he ran an engine tuning business.
