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Customer Reviews (4)

Great book
This book is great, some of the cars I did not know about. The photos are incredible, and the Gordon Murray parts are very eye opening.

Art of the Formula 1 Race Car Is a Great Book
First of all, I must admit that I am not objective about this book because my son was its editor. On the other hand, I have followed and read about Formula 1 racing for forty years and this is one of the best books I have seen. The basic concept is to show the beauty of Formula 1 car designs. To do this, photographer James Mann shot eighteen cars in studios around the UK. The photographic emphasis is on both the overall chassis design as well as details of the engines, driver's compartments, etc. All of Mann's photographs are beautiful. In addition there are historical photos from the era of each car. The cars range from the Alfa Romeo of the first F1 season, 1950, to the McLaren MP4-23 of 2008. Thus it covers the entire Formula 1 era. The text is by Stuart Codling, a highly regarded UK based motorsports journalist. In addition, there is commentary by former Formula 1 designer Gordon Murray. The sum of all of these contributions is a one-of-a-kind book that is both very beautiful to look at and also a very enjoyable read. I highly recommend it.

The first user review says that the technical summaries are "fraught with errors". Well, there are exactly two errors. On page 95, the engine displacement should be 2,993 cc rather than 3,993; and on page 170, the year for the Jordan 191 should be 1991 rather than 1981 (the correct year is included in Codling's main text however).

Nicely done...
Harkens back to the days when a book like this was both fun to read, but also a conversation piece.

Art of the Formula 1 Race Car
The subject of the book, the cars themselves marking technical history in F1 is enticing onto itself, but the photography is somewhat lack-luster. The beauty of these one-of machines is in the details and technology and the photos fall short of capturing that element. No photo of the Ferrari engine, come on......
Further the technical summary at the end of each segment is fraught with errors, dates are incorrect and engine descriptions are mis-matched.
At this price you have to ask, who proof read this book before it went to publishing, obviously the printer could not identify these errors. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (2)

clear and consise
This is a first class book for anyone who has ever wondered what happens behind the doors of an F1 garage. In depth, clear and consise writing makes it possible to understand the many complexities that must come together to produce a modern day formula 1 car. A must have for any serious f1 fan

the science of formula 1design
this is an awsome book it answers all questions about an f 1 car i couldnt put the book down it was great im not one to do ratings but i had to give an opinion on this book but beware its going to intrigue you and want to learn evan more im already reading more in to aerodynamics all in all the book is great thanks Ed ... Read more

Product Description
A top Grand Prix mechanic’s firsthand account of the personalities and performances that make or break a Formula One racing team, featuring 60 color photos. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (28)

Expected More
I was a little disappointed by this book.I felt the writing was a little all over the place, often skipping from one race year to the next without fully covering off on the key events (who won, which constructor won, major crashes and mishaps). Even the pitlane fire (the cover of the book) and Senna's death at Imola I thought were given only cursory mention, and Mr Matchett's fear growing after a number of pit lane mishaps seemed out of proportion to how he descirbed those mishaps.Anyway, just thought it would be more detail about F1, working in the pit crew, how things work.Maybe one or two races covered in detail.Good but not great.

Great book for F1 fans
I've just finished reading Steve Matchett's book 'The Mechanic's Tale: Life in the Pit Lanes'. F1 fans in the US of A will know of Steve from his commentating of F1 races on Speed Channel (with Bob Varsha and David Hobbs). Steve demonstrates the same level of skill in describing technical detail to the 'amateur' in this book as he does on television.
Anyone who has dreamt of working for a F1 team will enjoy reading the details of Steve's professional life and his trials and tribulations in getting into an F1 team. His descriptions of the working conditions for mechanics would surely put some folks off the idea of being an F1 race team mechanic.
All-in-all, a good read - well recommended.

Insightful, interesting, patient and adaptable!
Mr Matchett is already one of my favorite commentators for F1, along with Mr Hobbs! This is a great book that reveals the true life behind the scenes of a formula 1 team; it displays the team members realistically, dispeling many of the myths and assumptions.The technical aspects are very well explained and extremely interesting, presented in a simplistic way so that even novice fans will understand. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The author's view on how all problems in life can be solved by being patient and adaptable should inspire anyone to pursue their dreams. I highly recommend this book!

Behind the scenes
Well written and captivating. I could not put the book down. If you want to know Formula 1 as it truly is, then you must read this book, which is full of anecdotes and funny as well.Steve Matchett opens a window into a world that we would otherwise never really suspect.Behind the glamour of F1 are the people who work insane work schedule to make it happen.The mechanics are the very core of this elite racing industry, yet we hardly ever hear from them so this book is a little gem in its own right.

He does write about the team managers, technical chief director, the drivers etc...but always from his own personal experience, which makes this book truly special.There are stories about Patrese,Piquet, Mansell, Schumacher, Stepney, Briatore and many others.I am still laughing at Martin Brundle's comments about the car's "speedboatiness" and "stage-coachy" quality!

If Mr. Matchett decides to write another book, I will put it on my To Read list without any hesitation.

For Serious Fans Only
I would have preferred more about the nuts and bolts of F1 and less about the author's career.The book seems to be targeted at serious F1 fans who want every scrap of information possible on the sport - not readers like me. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (7)

Nice photography but it's simply not that useful
My plan for this book was to use it as a reference tool while watching races.Unfortunately, the book fails in this regard.It does not have an index or glossary to look up drivers/constructors/races.The photos (there are many and they are nicely done) and results are listed chronologically but this is cumbersome when trying to look for something when you don't have all of the information (e.g., year/race/driver).This book succeeds as coffee table filler but not much else.

Awesome
I am not a formula one fan, but its rellay impresive book, with lots of interesting and amazing facts, stories and pics abour F1.

Not so complete...
I bought this book based on the "Complete" description. Yes, it does have hundreds of shots of cars throughout the history of the modern era of Formula 1 (1950-2007). Unfortunately, many of these images are of marginal quality or have been seen over and over in other publications. Granted, it is primarily a book of photographs, but I am particularly disappointed in the writing that accompanies each year's chapter. For example, the most recent season (2007) is reviewed in typical British tabloid-style about the McLaren cheating scandal. The verdict has long been in and I don't want to read that it was "circumstantial evidence" that caused poor McLaren to get kicked out of the constructor's championship and penalized with the $100,000,000 fine. McLaren's paying of Ferrari's legal fees (and more) as well as making a public apology pretty much puts paid to the "circumstantial" claim. Anyway, if you want to see a thumbnail photo of (nearly) every F1 car ever raced, this is your book. If you want a "Complete" book of Formula One, look elsewhere.

wonderful photos
Good quality of text and photos. Perharp I'd like more information about circuits

Formula One book
I bought this book for a friend for Christmas. He absolutely loved it. It gives a comprehensive view of Formula One from its inception. I recommend it for any Formula One enthusiast. ... Read more

Product Description
Who Works in Formula One 2000 the only offical FIA guide for Formula One, over 600 pages (most with colour pictures)with information on the: Tcams, cars, engines, drivers, sponsors & suppliers, mechanics, key people, media, tracks and officials. In fact everything you need to know about Formula One in one book! Table of contents = Teams Drivers Engines Cars Pit Assignments Chief Mechanics Key People Commercial & Technical partners Marketing, PR & Press Officers Journalists & Photographers Grand Prix Hospitality FIA Officials ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (8)

Generally well written, but nowhere close to impartial
The impression it leaves me is that Folley was so delighted and gratified to be given a nice lunch and a fairly in depth interview by Prost in his Paris apartment in 2008 that his efforts to remain impartial thereafter collapsed into a morass of subtle and not so subtle slips that reaffirmed the narrative of Prost as the ultimate gentleman and Senna as the fragile and ruthless newbie who came and stole it all away. As such, the Folley narrative ranges from fair and balanced, to being rantingly anti-Senna. To the extent that Senna's story is told, or his point of view heard in retrospect, it is through the words of the others of the time: Warwick, Brundle, Berger, Walker, Jardine, Leberer et al, who Folley has at least taken the trouble to interview and quote. (Brundle is impressively self-effacing and candid about his standing against Senna...no agenda there. Warwick is also remarkably gracious, as he has been over the years about Senna, who he retains an immense respect for). Meanwhile, Folley's faithful repetition, without the slightest irony, of Prost's claim about Suzuka in '89: "I had no interest to make a crash", is a case in point. This is as disingenuous a statement as we have heard from Alain, up there with his equally laughable claim that he never blocked Senna from the Williams team for 1993 (we all know he did, and Senna called his bluff with his 'I'll drive for free' offer to Williams, to make the point). But the narrative treats it without the slightest scepticism, having described the Suzuka collision simply as "a brash manoeuvre" on Senna's part, which "hopelessly misjudged Prost's mood". Never mind that Prost's block is regarded quite widely in the F1 pitlane as the template professional foul, as premeditated as they come, and that attempting to pass someone going more slowly than you is usually regarded as one of the primary imperatives of motor racing. Instead, Alain's 'mood' is what counts. Needless to say, there are valid criticisms to be made of Senna's career and conduct. What is lost in this book is the notion that Prost had a ruthless and underhand streak, too, and was something other than a serial victim.

A good example of what I mean when I say Folley's narrative varies from level headed to openly ranting against Senna, comes at the conclusion of a passage quoting Senna about the notorious incident at Imola in `89, where Prost accused Senna of reneging on an agreement to not attack each other at the first turn after the race start. Here, Folley quotes Senna:

"On the second start, after Berger's accident, he got off to a better start than me. But I got in his slipstream and accelerated quickly. I was going faster than him. I then started the manoeuvre to overtake him. Not at the first corner, before that. It was when we were braking that we were not to attack each other. We had a momentary confrontation, and then I drove clear. He made a mistake and skidded off the track. He had made a driving mistake, but he was trying to make me take the blame. The original idea was simple: no overtaking as we braked on the first bend. After the race, I had a clear conscience. I didn't think that the whole thing would take on such proportions".

So far, so good. Folley is quoting Senna's point of view, and we have already heard Prost's point of view, at great length over several pages. But here's how Folley goes on, and, to be clear, this is our author talking, not Alain Prost:

Folley: Perhaps that had something to do with the fact that he had not been in the race when Pironi, blatantly, and inexcusably, betrayed the promise he had shared with Villeneuve. Perhaps that had something to do with the fact that Prost had lived with that haunting memory for seven years and knew it would never leave him. What was it Prost said? "Gilles was angry with Pironi and Ferrari, absolutely furious. Later I would fully understand these feelings because I had this with Ayrton. At the next race, Gilles went too far in the car in practice. He killed himself because of that dispute with Didier." Do you really believe that drivers would enter a pact that involved no overtaking before a braking area rather than a more specific location, such as the first corner?

So here we have Folley pouring scorn on Senna's account and using the passive aggressive, if not openly sarcastic "perhaps that had something to do with..." language to frame the narrative in terms of Prost's feelings about it. All that's missing is the jabbing of the author's finger at Senna's chest (Folley even addresses the reader in the first person, as if we're incredibly dumb to have even entertained Senna's side of the story all these years). Not for the first time, we hear that Senna should somehow have been cognisant that his rival's buried feelings over an accident 7 years earlier, before Senna even entered F1, would be triggered, along with the displaced fury that went with them. It's an interesting idea, that F1 drivers should be aware of all the experiences and traumas their rivals have been through, take account of them and act accordingly. This is not to say that there is no argument that Senna did wrong, though I find it tenuous at best to invoke the events of 1982 as the primary determinant of the rights and wrongs of a passing move in 1989, but the whole passage from Folley reads to me like an outburst, more like something you'd read from a partisan poster on an internet forum than something you'd read in book, written by a professional author, billing itself as an impartial account of a rivalry. Senna could be fully in the wrong on this and the point would still stand. This is not balanced writing, it is a framed narrative from someone who either began the exercise as a firm fan of Alain Prost, or became one through his interviews with the man.

The Villeneuve/ Pironi narrative (not only their clash at Imola and Villeneuve's death at Zolder, but also Prost's involvement in Pironi's crash at Hockenheim), which legitimately altered Prost's outlook on risk, runs like a thread through the book. This is interesting, but it's woven through the story in such a way that it's clear Folley thinks it is directly relevant to Senna's own penchant for risk. It would have been better to note the point and move on, rather than keep bringing it up every time Senna is seen to challenge Prost on the circuit. And Pironi's crash always was a feeble excuse for Prost's dire performance at Silverstone in '88, but trotted out here nonetheless.

More pro-Prost sympathies are in evidence when we hear, to take one example, that he had niggling clutch problems at the WDC decider in the wet in Suzuka in '88. A detail worth noting? Well, sure, even if it's the first I've heard of it in the intervening 22 years. But driving around minor mechanical issues was par for the course at the time and where is the mention of, say, Senna's pop-off valve malfunctioning in Mexico earlier the same year, and limiting his boost (a race which the book just blandly notes was won easily by Alain, with, quote: "a flawless drive")? If one is worth a mention, then so is the other, but the race accounts are generally bereft of such detail and it creates a false impression.

The cover was designed by an idiot: a picture of Prost & Mansell? on the front, and Derek Warrick (sic) is mis-spelled on the rear cover. There are factual gaffes: for example stating that Watson never raced an F1 car again after 1983. Actually he raced the McLaren in '85 after Lauda hurt his wrist, and made comments about how he knew his career was over when he witnessed Senna at Dingle Dell on a qualifying lap (Watson was on an in lap at the time) - an episode that might actually have served the narrative had Folley been aware of it.

It is also somewhat repetitive. How many times do I need to be told the list of greats who have won Monaco?

Early in the interview, Prost had noted that he knows he can't compete with the ghost of Senna, the legacy of a dead hero. As such, this is a book that might actually plug a legitimate market gap because I doubt that Prost's point of view, laughably self-serving though it is, has been aired as fully as the Senna plaudits have aired the legend of the brilliant Brazilian. Had the book been called "Prost's point of view: a rivalry with Senna", or some such, I would welcome it, as written. Unfortunately it is billed as a fair account, and the flipside of Prost's dilemma is that Senna is no longer around to defend himself at all. As such, and fascinating as it will always be to hear his reminiscences, it almost seems like a cheap shot from Prost to have been behind this book in such a way. The final responsibility, though, lies with the author.

A great read about an exciting time in F1!
This was the first book I've read by this author or about this period in F1.(However, I've read a number of other racing books.)In my opinion, the book was well-researched and adroitly written.I also felt the book was balanced and allowed the reader to draw his own conclusions.

Good Service
My product was in perfect condition and arrived during the time allotted. I wish it was a little faster, but I'm glad I got it.

Senna Versus Prost
Gave this as a gift to someone who is fan of Formula One and he was thrilled to receive it....

Fairly good book
THis is a good book about Senna and Prost. Some of the information is not new, but a lot of them are. Also, the writer is a seasoned pro journalist covering Formula One. He interviwed personally and recently (2008) a lot of the main people for this book: Prost himself, Berger, Jo Ramirez, Tony Jardine, John Hogan, Warweick, Brundle, Murray Walker.

He is not partial to any of the sides. Also, a good thing is that he takes pause to explain about people other than Senna and Prost, like Ratzenberger.

The final feel I had after this book was (there follows my opinion): great champions like Schumacher, Senna and Prost were nowhere near the level of greatness, sporstmanship and cavalry that Clark, Stewart, Fangio or Hill had. Of course, at their time there wasn't so many money in the sport, maybe people could allow themselves to be more fair and easy. But Senna was ruthless to the core (like Schumacher after him). Prost was, by all acounts available, a more simple and easy fellow.

I remember thoses times (1988 and 1989) and I rember I did not enjoy all that bickering and unashamed dislike for one another. It was bad for the sport.

Curiously, this book has no photography at all! It's very rare indeed for this kind of book be published without photos. Anyway, a good read. ... Read more

Product Description
Colour photos highlight the sheer spectacle of Formula One™

Get to know whatFormula One racing is all about

This book delves into the strategy, technology, and spirit needed to win a Formula One race. Every angle of a race weekend is covered in detail, from scrutineering to pitstops to podium. You’ll also read about the rivalries and politics that have turned the sport into a global televised drama. Illustrated with colour photographs, Formula One Racing For Dummies will serve the die-hard spectator or armchair fan alike.

Discover how to:

• Identify race strategies
• Understand the role of each team member
• Master the latest rules and regulations
• Appreciate a Formula One car’s cutting-edge design
• Enjoy Formula One from the stands and on TV

The Dummies Way

• Explanations in plain English
• "Get in, get out" information
• Icons and other navigational aids
• Tear-out cheat sheet
• Top ten lists
• A dash of humour and fun

Customer Reviews (2)

Needs Updating!
At one level, the book is a good basic summary of F1 racing -- the cars, history, tracks, teams and drivers, tips on attending a race, and some of the strategies involved. If you're a F1 junkie like I am, its all good.

More objectively though, the book is dated... with info current up to about 2003/04, which is many respects is ancient history for F1 (new different changed teams/drivers/tracks/rules now), so if I was just getting into F1 as a viewer, this book would be really confusing since so much of the info is out of date.

Good for the Formula 1 Challenged
This is actually not a bad book.If you don't know much about Formula 1, this book will inform you.Very informative yet simple and easy reading. ... Read more

Product Description
This book traces the story of Formula One, the world's richest and most powerful sport, back to the first ever car race in 1895. ... Read more

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Praise for the hardcover edition:

"Among the nicest car books we have seen -- period. . . . Inside Ferrari is a must have."
-- Classic Motorsports

From the greatest automobile racing team in the world, Inside Ferrari is an exclusive and intimate report from inside Formula One's most successful, most alluring and most secretive racing team. This book provides a rare glimpse into the world-famous Ferrari factory, onto the Ferrari test track and inside the Ferrari garage. The book captures what it takes to be one of the world's great sports teams.

The camera division of the Olympus Corporation, a sponsor of the Ferrari Formula One team, commissioned Jon Nicholson to go behind the scenes at Ferrari and take exclusive photographs of its Fl team at work, both while preparing for races and during the races themselves. Nicholson and his teammate, racing journalist Maurice Hamilton, create a candid profile that is packed with exciting stories and action photos of behind-the-scenes workers and such internationally famous drivers as Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello.

Readers will discover some of the secrets involving:

Product Description
This book captures the uniquely American atmosphere of the Detroit Grand Prix and a bygone era in Formula 1 racing. With the landmark Renaissance Center as a backdrop, Rogert Hart's complelling black-and-white photographs and accompanying recollections convey the relaxed camaraderie among drivers and a sense of fun that is hard to imagine in today's more intense paddock area.The photographs show a Detroit paddock filled with glamourous guests and popular drivers who competed in support races: Paul Newman driving in the Trans-Am; Michael Andretti starting out his professional career advised by his legendary father, Mario; supermodel Christie Brinkley relaxing on the pit wall with her boyfriend, the driver and champagne heir Olivier Chandon.These intimate and revealing character studies, punctuated by exciting race action, evoke a strong sense of nostalgia for teams and drivers from an era that will never be repeated. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Book lacks color....
I know the photos are meant to be black and white (and black and white images sometimes carry this little extra) but somehow it looks like there is something missing....
Especially in Formula 1 everything is about image and I guess it would have been a wonderful contrast to see the bright colors look like unreal in this otherwise greyish city (bare with me, I'm not from Detroit)
There is nothing really wrong with the photos or the book, but IMHO this book is for real fans only !

Were you there? I was and thanks to this book I am again!
I can remember flying into Detroit after the Canadian Grand Prix.
Remember running into Nelson Piquet in a movie theater.
Remember Nigel Mansel having to be helped from his car after a race.
This book brings back these memories and more.
If your were there this book belongs in your library.
If you are interested in the F1, it belongs in your library.
This book proves to me 'you can go home again' at least in your mind's eye
with the words and photographs

Review of book, "Postcards From Detroit"
The was a very well put together book which did a great job of bringing back memories of the Grand Prix races held on the streets of down town Detroit.Excellent photography which good accurate descriptions and comments.

MOTORCITY REVS
As a spectator of the greatest racing on the streets of Detroit I was thrilled with this fabulous remembrance of those days. The photographs are magnificent and the commentary well worth reading.Glad to see the Motorcity in its finest.

More than Postcards
I got this book for Christmas and loved it from the moment I turned the first page.However short it is, it's still comprehensive, still informative, and, given the size of the book at under a hundred pages, more informative than I expected it to be.

Some might say that the USGP during its time in Detroit was the race at its best; some might be right.Those were some memorable years and "Postcards from Detroit" does those years justice. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (3)

a must-read for the F1 fan, less one star for bias
This is overall a very good and comprehensive history of the past 50 years in F1. In a year-by-year fashion the reader is able to follow how the world's fastest sport has evolved. A fascinating read in general and a must for every true F1 fan. Every decade is covered by a different expert guest writer, all of them great past and current champions of the sport, and this adds personal color, but also bias. David Coulthard of the McLaren-Mercedes Team covers the 90ies and of course gives his very personal perspective on the most recent seasons. The downside of the guest-writer format is a general loss in homogeneity that can't be avoided with this system. While the pictures are carefully selected and in part very stunning and excellent, some true gems of the past are sorely missed. It is very, very clear that this is a british book, and some of the other great European and South American drivers are not covered in as much depth.

A Very Good Book on the History of F1 Racing . . .but. . .
This is one of the few books in the book store which tells you how it all started back in 1950.You can find a lot of rare F1 photographs (B/W and Colour) from 1950 to 1999 in this book.For each year's championship, there is about 1 to 2 pages of text depicting the highlights of that year.All in all, I found this a very good book.Whether you are a F1 fan or not, you will enjoy reading it.

Unfortunately, I also bought "Autocourse : 50 Years of World Championship Grand Prix Motor Racing" by Alan Henry and I gave that book 5+ stars.In most parts, these two books are on par but on subjective preferences, I found the photographs in Alan's book more attractive and give more depth into F1.If you are a serious F1 fan and your buget allows, get both books.If you have to pick just one due to whatever reason, I'll recommend Alan Henry's over Bruce Jones'.Sorry Bruce!!

50 years of magic!
Comprehensive but not exhaustive review of the 1st 50 years of the sport.

Loads of fabulous photos I never saw before.The 60's areespecially well covered.Very good year by year synopses, plus insightfulre-caps of the decades written by such greats as John Surtees.

I cannotput this book down! ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (5)

Non Fiction
The Complete Encyclopedia of Formula One by Bruce Jones is a reasonably useful reference.I have seen better sport books of this type, but I guess given this is motor racing you aren't going to expect a whole lot of this sort of thing to be available, or great.

It was useful at the time, though, and has some interesting information.

Full of Statistics?
If you want to know all of the numbers of F1 they are here.Unfortunately, there are no curcuit maps, no information of nationalities of drivers and the statistics end in 1997.As well, there are mistakes in the information.For a statistical book this is something I can't forgive.I spotted many errors and that is just things I know (come on Michael Schumacher driving a Ferrari in 1994!).It makes me wonder what else is wrong.

Expensive
This is a pretty good book, it has lots of detail and is well written, but its all in black and white and it doesn't cover any of the technical aspects of the cars and how they changed over the years. Overall I was very disappointed and the book is pricey, plus it only goes up to the '97 season.

The ultimate guide to F1
Its a good, voluminous, and heavy book (as a good encyclopedia should be), with all drivers, teams, and circuits up to 1999.Color photographs of most of the above are provided.Unfortunately the circuit descriptions don't include track layouts and sometimes its difficult to know where they are.The final stats section has all the numbers and categories you could need.A great reference book!

Encyclopedia of F1 Reviewed:
Those familiar with the "Encyclopedia" books of other sportswill know that this is a statistical journey rather than a photographictimeline.This book covers every Constructor, Driver, Circuit, and Recordsince the British Grand Prix 13 May 1950 when Giuseppe Farina won this 70lap race in 2hr13m23.6sec driving for Alpha Romeo SpA.However, the bookmay seem dated as it ends coverage with the European Grand Prix in Octoberof 1997.Most of the current Formula One drivers are covered though maybewith a different team.There is also a nice Forward by the British voiceof Formula One, Murray Walker. A good reference book for any F1 fan with aninterest in the history of this sport. Remember, no glossy photos of bravedrivers or thepowerful and beautiful cars they pilot, just some Black andWhite shots here and there and interesting facts and figures about FormulaOne in between. ... Read more

Product Description
Following the success of its sister volume, which covered the 1970s, this book features another classic era as Formula 1 — attracting growing interest via TV — became a mainstream sport. The 1980s saw the emergence of McLaren and Williams as the dominant teams. Normally aspirated engines gave way to more powerful turbocharged units, before the regulations changed in 1989 to favor non-turbo motors again. The defining drivers were Gilles Villeneuve, Alan Jones, Nelson Piquet, Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, and Ayrton Senna. The 1980s saw the demise of the privateer entrants as technology and costs escalated. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

breath taking
another first class book from rainer schlegelmilch, this master racing photogragphy has captured the awesome and sometimes brutal power producedby formula 1 cars of this era.highly recomended

Fantastic
This is a fantastic book. It completes the other two from previous decades. I'm waiting for the next one...

Wonderful series -one of the best
I bought this book with hesitation, since I already own Formula 1 Fascination (an amazing book!) with photos from the same photographer.

I could not find any duplications.The series is fantastic and well worth getting all of them.the photos cover many cars, not just the front runners.

the book is a treasure to have.The Porsche racing books from Haynes are also wonderful - 917 and 956/962.

Beautiful photographs, very low quality print
The photographs in this book are awesome. However, as in other books from Haynes (i.e. all Formula 1 Season Review) the print is low quality. This could have been an excellent art book if the photographs were printed right. Low color saturation, wrong hue, cooling filter effect (all photographs look blue). I've seen many of this pictures in other books and they are just beautiful... not here. I'm thinking in returning my copy.

Formula One in Camera: AWESOME
For any Formula One fan this book is just the ticket. Covering the "TURBO" generation, this book contains many great Schlegelmilch Photo's of all the famous F1 drivers and teams.Senna, Mansell,Prost and piquet, along with many other's are included in this pictorial history. A great insight from this amazing period of F1 motorsport. All the information that accompanies the photos are very informative , some sad and others humorous. The book itself is well made and all pictures are bright and of extremely high quality.If you are a F1 fan or a general motorsports fan BUY THIS BOOK! ... Read more

Product Description
"Formula One Maths" is a unique and carefully structured course designed to fully cover all programmes of study in the new National Curriculum for Maths at Key Stage 3. The course also gives complete coverage of the Key Stage 3 National Strategy Framework for teaching mathematics: Years 7, 8 and 9. Incorporating the ideology behind the National Strategy, "Formula One Maths" gives a new, exciting and interactive approach to maths at this level. The textbooks present mathematics in both new and familiar contexts, encouraging students to explore the topics and concepts. Mental strategies and relevant skills are developed, and activities and tasks throughout enable students to question their approach and understanding. The combined use of "Formula One Maths" student book C3 and the support and extension sheets in the Teacher's resource will give complete coverage of NC levels 7 and 8, with some revision of level 6. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

Great text, awful print quality
The writers' names (Adam Cooper, Tony Dodgins) as well as the photographers' (Steven Tee, Charles Coates, Glenn Dunbar, Lorenzo Bellanca, Andrew Ferraro) are a guarantee for the highest quality of all contents. Just as we got used to through the years in the case of the Official F1 Season Review book. Crying shame that the print quality doesn't match the contents at all. The pictures are too dark, like it was printed in a cellar somewhere in Pakistan. Simply unadmittable for a 'quality' product like this series was intended to be. ... Read more

Product Description
Formula 1 Technology offers an in-depth look at the engineering, design and production of Formula 1 cars. It focuses on the most technically challenging years, showing how the technology and engineering have evolved from mechanical systems, most of which one could hold in the hand, look at closely, and see how they should work, to systems dominated by silicon wafers so small one can hardly see them.

Author Peter Wright identifies and outlines five parameters -- Power, Weight, Tire Grip, Drag and Lift -- and shows how each can be maximized. In addition, he describes the variety of technologies (including those that have been banned over the years) that are involved, not just in the makeup of the Formula 1 cars, but also in the component manufacturing, systems testing, and the actual racing of the cars. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

terrible book !!!!
I hoped more illustrations in color like the Ferrari on cover. If you look for Technical aspects, drawings and illustrations in color about Formula 1 cars, definitively Giorgio Piola books are the better.

Both deep and entertaining
Excellent in-depth look at F1 now and how it got this way.

Just buy it.

F1 technology book review
This book is outstanding for the depth of technical information, and it is not surprising that SAE International endorse the book.Although now several years old, the book is just as relevant, and in fact provides discussion of a number of the very significant changes in F1 that may take place over the next year or so.

A great formula one technology docuemntation.
A great work, dealing with many aspects of formula 1 technology, discussed clearly and in a comprensive way.

This book really is a must have for F1 fanatics
The book really brings many explanations about F1 technologies.
Is very detailled and it has very good desings inside.
The only thing that I really felt missed is the actual technologies. (From '02 until now) ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (10)

Triumph
My husband absolutely loves this book.He finished half of it the night he started reading it.Sid Watkins is easy to read and tells interesting stories.A must-read for Formula One enthusiasts.

Good, but not great
The stories and recollections by Professor Watkins are priceless and are from a unique perspective. I found the way the book delevoped was a little unusual, but still interesting. The last section of the book (approximately 20 pages) are worthless details to even the above average motor sports fan. I would have likeed to see another story.
It would be an enjoyable book for a true F1 fan.

He's earned respect, never demanded it.
Viewing Grand Prix motor racing through the wonderfully perceptive eyes of Professor Watkins means that anyone interested in the sport should read this excellent account. Obviously respected, often revered by those with whom he works, he gives vivid and sometimes moving recollections spanning the many years of his involvement. Humour and pathos make regular appearances; his dry wit, an essential tool of his trade perhaps, serves to punctuate what is essentially a serious book. His incisive précis of drivers from the last three decades make for compulsive reading, the character analyses are intriguing and revealing. Undoubtedly a pivotal character in the world of Formula One, the professor has been instrumental in saving many lives. However, he's also witnessed intimately the consequences of appalling accidents in which lives were lost. He is perhaps uniquely qualified to commentate on the sport; his dedication and professionalism making him a hero in this modern amphitheatre which now embraces the globe. Superbly readable. Once is not enough.

Destined to become a classic in motorsport literature.
Professor Watkins provides his insights into the personalities and events of formula one racing based on over two decades involvement with the sport. He has completed more circuit laps in medical vehicles than some driversare able to accomplish in their F1 career.His humor,dedication to thesport,and commitment to improving safety standards are reflected in this well written book that should appeal to everyoneinterested in the humanaspect of the F1 circus.

A must have for every F1 fan.
I have never thought that this book could contain such historical moments. I have only followed F1 since 97 and I had a thirst for knowledge. This book has lots of it. Knowledge and feelings. We are brought inside theauthor's life. I thank him for this book, which I consider a remarkableachievement.

VultureElf 1/8 Irish Proud FOSA member ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (3)

F-1 car review
This is a great source of information on the construction and design of modern Formula One cars.Highly recommended.

Almost like being there
I've been reading these books since the late 90's and I don't get bored.Giorgio Piola does an amazing job following the aero trends from race to race.I like how he even includes many of the reasons for developments, even if they are reverse-engineered.I couldn't give it 5 stars though because I was expecting it to have descriptions of more mechanical developments.Excellent book though, really gives an inside look at the technical developments

F1 tech review
Very well illustrated book.


The book shows the different car body configurations for many of the different races which was outstanding. The level of detail was unbelievably detailed.

I was hoping it would go a little deeper into the technical side (i.e. the 'WHY' a team put this item or that...rather than just for aerodynamic reasons).

But it went into the major changes, rules behind them and effect it had on the races.

Highly recommend this book for F1 fans.
... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

A cornerstone for any serious motor racing library
Gerald Donaldson has a reputation for penning Formula One books that are exaustively researched, beautifully written, and a pleasure to read. His biographies of the late Gilles Villeneuve and James Hunt fleshed out a very thorough, and human story of these extraordinary men. His 1990 release, "Grand Prix People" gave an incomparable snapshot of the F1 "circus", with remarkably candid interviews with all the principals of the sport at that time, from the drivers and engineers to the caterers and members of the governing body.

In this latest book, Mr. Donaldson has co-ordinated and edited a massive tome, with various chapters being penned by some of Formula One's best journalists. It attempts what many have tried, but few have succeeded - a complete and compelling history of grand prix racing, from the late 1800s to the present day. Produced by the same publishing team that produced last year's "Beatles Anthology", this heavy coffee table book is packed with stellar photos, and tells the story of F1 through the words/quotes of the principal players of every era. It is an awesome achievement, and a treasure to all true lovers of the sport. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Product Description
In Formula 1 racing, commercial sponsorship and dependency on technology has elevated the stakes to extraordinary heights. Because of this, teams and manufacturers have gone to great lengths to protect their technical secrets.

That's what makes this book so special and unique.

When Scuderia Ferrari gave author Peter Wright access to team principals and to Michael Schumacher's 2000 championship-winning car, he provided a rarely-seen look at the inner workings of a championship vehicle - technical specifications, assembly drawings, functional details, and performance analysis.

Wright, a former Team Lotus engineer, capitalized on this unique opportunity and the result is Ferrari Formula 1: Under the Skin of the Championship-Winning F1-2000. By combining Ferrari's own technical drawings, computer models, and photos with candid interviews with Michael Schumacher, Jean Todt, Ross Brawn, and others, this book provide readers with an unprecedented level of detail and understanding of Formula 1 technology.

Ferrari Formula 1also examines the team - Scuderia Ferrari - and its technical partners. While understanding the design of winning race cars is important, understanding how the people and companies work together is crucial to gaining the winning edge. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Unique F1 book
There isn't a book out there like this!Excellent for all Formula 1 fans!

MyOpinion
Generally speaking this is a good book which might be interesting for all those who are linked to technical aspects of a formula-1 car design.Is brings a general overview of Ferrari organisation which allowed them to take several championships and a carefull technical analysis of the 2000 car design aspects, including very rare information regarding to tyres, suspensions, performance, etc. This is a book that has to be in every formula 1 technical fan booklet.

Ferrari F1 book review
This book is an oustanding publication for the depth of technical information on F1 engines, not available elsewhere to the outsider.It is not a coffee table type of book, all of the pictures and illustrations contribute to the technical depth.

This is the One F1 book
The is by far the best book on Formula 1 that I've read.
The author, Peter G. Wright, is a former engineer from the Lotus F1 team, who developped the fundations of aerodynamics in modern F1 cars.
Jean Todt let him access all the secrets of the technology inside the Ferrari F1-2000, and Wright details every aspects of the car. You can see pictures of all key components of the engine, gear box, suspensions, brakes and aerodynamics. And the illustrations of Tony Matthews are truly amazing.
Really, this book is a Masterpiece... as well as the F1-2000.

Not a technical book
I thought it would be more technical, it spends too many pages praising Ferrari, and maybe it was the necessary publicity to let him do the book. It has some awesome drawings, but the remaining spaces for the pictures are filled with standard shots of the car on the track. The publicity around this book was very big so I was expecting more, more in depth technical data or secrets. ... Read more