Monday 23rd February 1953

Born on this day, Satoru Nakajima, the first Japanese Formula 1 driver. His debut came after winning five domestic F2 titles and running comprehensive tests in Japan with a Williams chassis in 1985 to develop the Honda engine. After a year in the European F2 Championship with Ralt-Honda and he landed the second Lotus drive alongside Ayrton Senna in 1987, fully backed by Honda and scoring a total of seven points that year. The highlight of his career was his drive to fourth place in the rain-soaked 1989 Australian GP, setting the fastest lap.