• December 6 down the years

Finland's one-win world champion

1948
1982 world champion Keke Rosberg was born in Stockholm, Sweden. He only won one grand prix in his championship-winning year, but that was enough as a record 11 drivers shared visits to the winner's circle during 16 races. However, he was more than worth a world title in a career that entertained more than most. Perhaps an image that better conjures up the Flying Finn as most remember him is the stubbing out of his ever-present cigarette before climbing aboard his Honda turbo-powered Williams at Silverstone in 1985 and going out to risk everything as he claimed pole at a then-record speed of over 160mph. It was the epitome of an all-or-nothing lap. No wonder he was held in such esteem by his contemporaries - bravery only starts to cover what he did. His son Nico made his F1 debut in 2006 for Williams - the team who powered Keke to his world championship.

2007
Renault escaped punishment for their role in a spy scandal, despite being found guilty of fraudulent conduct. There was widespread surprise at the news as McLaren had been fined £50 million earlier in the year for a similar offence. "In the absence of a compelling explanation, the FIA will be held culpable of double standards on a gigantic scale," wrote the Daily Mail. Renault boss Flavio Briatore said he was "absolutely at ease" with the decision. "Is it fair?" Bernie Ecclestone asked. "We are always fair," he replied.

2005
Toro Rosso announced that Scott Speed would drive for the team the following season. He became the first American to drive in F1 since Michael Andretti in 1993. Unfortunately he didn't live up to his name and was axed midway through the 2007 season. It cannot have been a surprise as a week earlier Speed claimed he had been hit by team boss Franz Tost. "As I walked towards the garage he hit me in the middle of the back with a closed fist," said Speed. "Then he grabbed me below the neck and pushed me into the wall."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.