With 11 wins from 322 Grand Prix over 19 seasons, Rubens Barrichello is fondly remembered as one of the quickest and most highly respected drivers in the history of Formula One. However, as 2020 stutters along amidst the seemingly endless Coronavirus pandemic, Barrichello – now a stock car racer in South America – is more … Continue reading “I Have a Passion for Racing – Barrichello”
Category: Driver Profiles
“Remembering Roland Ratzenberger”
When Roland Ratzenberger crashed brutally during qualifying for the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, Formula One was forced to face mortality for the first time in eight years, but the death the following day of Ayrton Senna cast a shadow over Ratzenberger’s tragedy. Twenty years on, Ratzenberger’s memory breathes, as does his legacy. Leigh O’Gorman spoke to the drivers who raced against and knew him, as they remember Roland Ratzenberger – Formula One’s forgotten man.
“Speaking of Zlobin…”
Sergey Zlobin also happens to be the Sporting Director of SMP Racing – that his son, Nikita, has been chosen for the Russian Driver Development Programme may, or may not, be purely coincidental.
“Tragedy at the Glen: Remembering Helmuth Koinigg”
October 6th 1974. For all intents and purposes, this should have been that most joyous of occasions in motorsport, but it was to end in tragedy.
‘Luiz Razia: “Today is a challenge for us”’
Luiz Razia cuts the shape of a rather pre-occupied gentleman – with some good reason too. Following tough weekends at Spa-Francorchamps and Monza, the Brazilian heads to the final round of the 2012 GP2 Series 25 points shy of rival Davide Valsecchi. We spent a few minutes together to discuss the current title fight, Brazilians in motorsport and maturity behind the wheel.
“Felipe Nasr: ‘Brazil’s shining light.’”
Sometimes it’s hard to believe that it is twenty-one years since Ayrton Senna’s third and final title, but since Senna’s untimely death at Imola in May 1994, the country has not had a world champion. GP2 rookie and 2011 British Formula 3 Champion Felipe Nasr is hoping to turn the tide.
“James Calado: ‘I’m ready for F1’”
There is a brash confidence to James Calado. The Worcestershire native certainly holds himself well and although he does not yet swagger, there is a temerity in his approach to motorsport. A swagger would definitely be a little too much. Unflappable – now there’s a word, not often used enough, to describe Lotus’ youthful rookie.
“Alice Powell: breaking the Status quo”
Since Giovanna Amati’s anonymous and brief spell with the ailing Brabham team in 1992, Formula 1 has suffered from a dearth of female competitors. Meanwhile, this season’s GP3 Series contains 2010 Formula Renault BARC champion Alice Powell.
“The shy novice: thoughts for Riccardo Paletti”
My thoughts today for the forgotten man of the 1982 Formula One season, Riccardo Paletti.
“Thoughts on Pau and Raffaele Marciello”
In person, Raffaele Marciello – last weekend’s victor of the 73rd Grand Prix de Pau – doesn’t quite come across as the most outwardly confident person that has crossed my path.
Peter Gethin (R.I.P., 1940-2011)
Peter Gethin passed away yesterday following a long illness. He was 71 years old. Born in Surrey in early 1940, Gethin is most famous for winning the 1971 Italian Grand Prix 0.01 of-a-second ahead of Ronnie Peterson and his Cosworth-powered March.
“The Shy Champion: Phil Hill”
As the 1961 season drew to a close, Ferrari's Wolfgang von Trips was leading team mate Phil Hill and only needed a podium to claim the crown. In the end, death betrayed the German – with von Trips dead in the circuit’s medical unit and Sir Stirling Moss eleven points adrift; Hill became the first American World Champion with one race to spare.
Guest Post: From Moonshine Runner to Pioneer
Following on from his fabulous post last week about the old British Grand Prix circuit at Aintree, Race of Two World's Phil Charnock has kindly submitted the first in a number of syndicated posts for The Motorsport Archive. This week, Phil examines the difficulties faced by a true ground-breaker in NASCAR - Wendell Scott. -------- … Continue reading Guest Post: From Moonshine Runner to Pioneer
“The Prince of Motorsport: B Bira”
It is often remembered as a time of honour, sportsmanship and openness in motorsport. Simpler times when safety was not an issue and drivers were daredevils playing in the fire – and when Prince Birabongse Bhanudej Bhanubandh took to the wheel; motorsport felt the rare touch of royalty.
“Giancarlo Baghetti: The Grand Débutante”
------ This post was originally published on Too Much Racing in August of last year, as part of the VivaF1 blogger swap shop. The Grand Débutante reappears here today, as it marks the 50th anniversary of Giancarlo Baghetti's great achievement. ------ In terms of startling Grand Prix débuts, few will ever rank as highly as … Continue reading “Giancarlo Baghetti: The Grand Débutante”
Robert Wickens Joins Virgin Racing
Amidst all the noise regarding the reinstated Bahrain Grand Prix, Robert Wickens was announced Virgin Racing's news reserve driver.
Senna
At long last, the award winning documentary film Senna, opens in the UK and Ireland today.
Different Times
With the 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis fast approaching, I dug up this little piece of classic television from YouTube.
James Jakes Testing an IndyCar
An unexpected name cropped up on the timing sheets at today's IndyCar test at Barber Motorsports Park.
Get Well Soon Sir Jackie Stewart
The F1 and Motorsports Archive would like to extend best wishes to three-time Formula 1 World Champion, Jackie Stewart, who fell ill on a flight from Geneva to London yesterday afternoon.