British aristocrat and racing driver Dick Seaman crashed into a tree while leading the Belgian Grand Prix and was covered in petrol, later dying from his injuries.
His wife, who he had married six months before, was at his bedside. Seaman went to Europe and drove for the Mercedes team, famously winning the 1938 German Grand Prix with Adolf Hitler amongst the spectators. He is reported to have told a Mercedes engineer on his death bed: "I was going too fast for the conditions. It was entirely my own fault. I am sorry."
2006
Fernando Alonso continued his march to his second successive drivers' title when he took victory in the Canadian Grand Prix. It was the Renault driver's fourth win in a row and his sixth of the season.
1964
British racing driver Johnny Herbert was born in Romford, London. He competed in Formula One from 1989-2000, winning three races including the 1995 British Grand Prix, and also in sports cars, winning the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1991 driving a Mazda 787B. Herbert enjoyed much success in lower-level motor racing but never managed to achieve the same level of performance at the top level of motorsport.
1949
French racing driver Patrick Tambay was born in Paris. He competed in 123 grands prix, winning twice, secured five pole positions and scored a total of 103 Championship points. In 2006, he raced in the inaugural season of the Grand Prix Masters formula for retired Formula One drivers, and continued in the series in 2007.
