Gerhard Berger may be fondly remembered as one of the jokers of Formula One’s past, but with ten victories over the course of fourteen seasons, he is also one of the most highly respected drivers of the 1980s and 90s. Now 60 and long retired as a Formula One driver, the Austrian tells World in … Continue reading “F1: It Was Clear for Me to Change My Life – Gerhard Berger”
Category: History
“Thoughts on François Cevert”
With Jackie Stewart set to retire from Formula One at the end of the 1973 season, preparations had been made to promote his understudy, François Cevert, to the lead seat in Ken Tyrrell's world championship winning team.
“James Hunt: On the politics surrounding the 1982 San Marino Grand Prix”
Leading up to the fourth round of the 1982 Formula One World Championship, the political battles between the FISA-affiliated teams and the FOCA entities finally exploded into all-out war. Former World Champion and then BBC F1 commentator James Hunt had this to say.
“According to James Hunt…”
Who knows? Maybe the good ol' days were not as good as we like to remember.
“Reflections: ‘Brabham reigns in the rain – 1967 Canadian Grand Prix (Rd 8)'”
After running non-championship Grand Prix under sportscar rules for six years at Mosport Park, the Canadian Grand Prix had its bid to become a World Championship event in 1967 accepted.
“Reflections: ‘Lauda razor sharp in Long Beach – 1982 US Grand Prix West (Rd 3)’”
As the Formula One circus pitched up at Long Beach for the first of three American Grands Prix in 1982, the tensions between FOCA and FISA began to heat up once again following two heated meets in South Africa and Brazil.
“Reflections: ‘Prost victorious as Piquet disqualified – 1982 Brazilian Grand Prix (Rd 2)’”
With the 1982 Argentine Grand Prix lost due to lingering uncertainties within the sport, Formula One finally arrived in South America for the Brazilian Grand Prix in mid-March and although two months had passed since the infamous South African Grand Prix, ill feeling remained within the paddock and the outer reaches of Formula One itself.
“Remembering the Argentine Grand Prix disaster”
On a brief sombre note, today (January 18th) marks the 60th anniversary of the Argentine Grand Prix disaster.
“Remembering the Birmingham Superprix”
In 1985, the International Formula 3000 replaced the defunct European F2 Series as the final stepping stone before Formula 1. Come 1986, F3000 altered its schedule slightly to include races at Imola, Bugatti Le Mans and Jarama; however the destination that stood out like a sore thumb was "Birmingham".
“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.
“Reflections: Stewart Shines in Iberian Sun – 1970 Spanish Grand Prix”
Jackie Stewart had relatively few complaints about the opening to the 1970 Formula 1 season. Having claimed his first title several months previously, the Scot's defence began well with a podium under South Africa's hot, dry sun in Kyalami.
“The shy novice: thoughts for Riccardo Paletti”
My thoughts today for the forgotten man of the 1982 Formula One season, Riccardo Paletti.
“The King of Monaco: 1969 Monaco Grand Prix”
Unlike the current Grand Prix season, the 1969 World Championship proved to be a somewhat more predictable affair.
Statistics, Pedantry and Australians in Australia
A number of television pundits and reporters have spent the weekend noting that this weekends Australian Grand Prix was the first to run with two Australian drivers.
Reflections: “Creating a Void – 1982 Argentine Grand Prix (Cancelled)”
Formula 1 has spent much of its existence embracing battles of every kind, whether they involve drivers, the teams, the commercial wing or the governing body itself. Rarely has an entire Grand Prix been lost.
Reflections: “Prost from the Brink – 1982 South African Grand Prix (Rd 1)”
Formula 1 loves controversy; it feeds off of it. Without the public displays of placated aggravation and sugar-coated cat calling, Formula 1 would probably fall from the public eye. At the start of 1982, Formula 1 got it very, very wrong.
Guest Post: Horsepower at Aintree
2011 marked the year that the "Home of British Motor Racing" finally stepped into the 21st century with the opening of the impressive and imposing Silverstone Wing, but we should never forget the quick and dangerous Aintree.
Reflections: “Clark dominates at Clermont-Ferrand – 1965 French Grand Prix (Rd 4)”
Before the 1965 French Grand Prix, Lotus driver Jim Clark was quietly confident. After three rounds, the legendary Scot had a three-point advantage over BRM's Graham Hill when they arrived at Clermont-Ferrand. With skill and smoothness a premium at the French circuit, Clark possessed an advantage that often superseded the superb engineering of his nimble Lotus 33. In the race, he would made it look so easy.
“It Never Rains, but it Snows: The 1973 BRDC International Trophy”
An unseasonal cold spell broken, a sodden and wintry base is revealed, as the snow in Ireland and the UK peels away feebly. Motorsport tends not to happen in these conditions.
Speed Before Spa: the Circuit de Bastogne
Long before the great Spa-Francorchamps graced the Grand Prix calender, the Ardennes in the eastern region of Belgium played host the initial burst of motor racing at the beginning of the 20th century.