Back in Black - The return of Formula 1

It's official: #F1 is back! With the first eight races of the 2020 season confirmed, this coming weekend sees teams return to the track in what will be a very different F1 season than anything previously experienced.

The big news is, that with countries still in the grip of the CV19 epidemic, safety measures have meant a serious shake-up to the calendars of every sport. The immense logistic requirements of the F1 circus means that, inevitably, cancellations and changes have had to made, but the first 8 races of the 2020 F1 season are now confirmed.

At the start of the season, certainly, races will be quite unlike the spectacle we're familiar with. Project Pitlane, F1's response to the Covid-19 pandemic, has meant that whilst racing can at last return, there will be many things familiar to F1 fans absent this year. With no spectators present, and venues hosting races over multiple weekends, drivers and teams won't benefit from the boost that cheering fans brings, and the typical festival atmosphere will be missing.

Those aren't the only big differences you'll see. There's nothing new about new liveries, of course; pre-season always brings the excitement of seeing new cars with new colours and designs. However, this year, one livery in particular will be standing out … and for all the right reasons.

Over the last month or so, world events have shown just how much action is still needed in the fight against all forms of discrimination and racism. In support of the Black Lives Matter movement, as part of its #WeRaceAsOne initiative, Mercedes-AMG Petronas will be running an all black base livery on its cars, transforming the Silver Arrows. It's sobering to think that in the 70 year history of Formula 1, Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes' number-one driver, is still the only black person to race in Formula 1. Ever.

The black liveried Mercedes-AMG Petronas W11 will be raced by both Hamilton and Bottas.

Here's what Lewis had to say about the initiative.

“It’s so important that we seize this moment and use it to educate ourselves whether you are an individual, brand or company to make real meaningful changes when it comes to ensuring equality and inclusivity. I have personally experienced racism in my life and seen my family and friends experience racism, and I am speaking from the heart when I appeal for change. When I spoke to Toto [Wolff, CEO and Team Principal Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team] about my hopes for what we could achieve as a team, I said it was so important that we stand united. I would like to say a huge thank you to Toto and the Mercedes Board for taking the time to listen, to talk, and to really understand my experiences and passion, and for making this important statement that we are willing to change and improve as a business. We want to build a legacy that goes beyond sport, and if we can be the leaders and can start building more diversity within our own business, it will send such a strong message and give others the confidence to begin a dialogue about how they can implement change." 

There's no doubt that, were fans, spectators, and other attendees to be present, there would be outstanding visual and audible support. But even without this, this powerful statement will echo across F1 and beyond. We wouldn't be at all surprised to see other F1 and motorsports teams making similar statements over the coming weeks. Find out more about Mercedes' return to racing, here.

Despite the cancellations and changes, this is a welcome return for fans and teams alike. Great Britain and Austria will each be hosting two races this season, and here are the first 8 dates for 2020 …

2020 Formula 1 Calendar

Confirmed dates only

🇦🇹

Race 1 – July 3-5

Formula 1 Rolex Grosser Preis von Österreich

The Red Bull Ring, Austria

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Race 2 – July 10-12

Formula 1 Pirelli Grosser Preis der Steiermark

The Red Bull Ring, Austria

🇭🇺 

Race 3 – July 17-19

Formula 1 Aramco Magyar Nagydij

The Hungaroring, Hungary

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Race 4 – July 31 - August 2

Formula 1 Pirelli British Grand Prix

Silverstone, UK

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Race 5 – August 7-9

Emirates Formula 1 70th Anniversary Grand Prix

Silverstone, UK

🇪🇸 

Race 6 – August 14-16

Formula 1 Aramco Gran Premio de Espana

Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Spain

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Race 7 – August 28-30

Formula 1 Rolex Belgian Grand Prix

Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium

🇮🇹 

Race 8 – September 4-6

Formula 1 Gran Premio Heineken d'Italia

Monza, Italy

It's been quite some time since we last enjoyed a bit of on-track sparring, and the memory could be a little hazy after all this time, so now is the perfect time to gen-up and get up-to-speed with not only last season, but F1's entire 70 year history. As luck would have it, we can recommend a few books fit for the job.

First, check out our recently added  Formula 1 category at our web store: all our F1-centric books and ebooks in one place. With seven decades, countless drivers, teams, and LOTS of cars, where should you start? Let's take a look …

Formula 1 All The Races - The First 1000

Limited Edition of 1000 Copies

Roger Smith

Covering the entire history of Formula 1, this book contains details of every one of the first 1000 F1 races, from the first of 1950, to last year's 1000th. With a free 2019 Season digital update, covering the end of the 2019 season, and with the 2020 season not yet started, it's not only a complete record, it's a bang-up-do-date current record.

With so much covered, you'd be forgiven for thinking this is a hard-going read. However, every bit of information is presented in a superlative design that makes for not only a quick-access reference tome, but an historic record that's a joy to dip-in and -out of. It features specially developed 'Race Pods' each telling the story of an individual race, graphs, illustrations, rare photos, and charts ranking driver performance over the first 1000 races.

Not only is this a unique and highly accessible history, it's also a collector's volume, limited to only 1000 copies, each of which are individually serialised from 1 to 1000, making each copy a genuinely unique item.

The book costs £65, and you can request your favourite number (if available) when you order. With 1000 races covered, it works out at just 0.64p per race for all the facts you need to know. That's a bargain. But they won't hang around for long; get your numbered copy before they're gone for ever.

Limited edition of 1000 individually numbered copies

Hardback • 16.9x23.3cm • 720 pages

Find out more or buy your copy here

Formula 1 'The Knowledge' - 2nd Edition

David Hayhoe

Proving that you can never have enough knowledge, David Hayhoe's groundbreaking first edition of this book was an essential for F1 fans,  and motorsport pundits. David has been the statistician for Autocourse's Grand Prix Annual since 1991; as you can imagine, he knows a thing or two about F1 stats.

Revealing 'The Knowledge" about every driver and car to take part in F1 since 1950, this 2nd edition is even more desirable, and includes performance records and analysis covering every driver, constructor, and engine

You'll also find detailed insights into the differing qualifying procedures, anecdotes and stories – some humorous, some serious – making this so much more than simply a book of stats. Don't just take our word for it, though;

The most comprehensive compilation of Formula 1 ever. Simply outstanding - you may know a lot about F1 - but here you have more, completely undiscovered items, oceans of F1 trivia to explore.
Gran Turismo, Sweden

Hardback • 21x27cm • 544 pages • 90 pictures

Find out more or buy your copy here

Formula One - The Real Score?

Brian Godfrey Harvey

Did you know that, because rules stipulated that a country could have only a single F1 Champtionship race in a season, until January 1973 over HALF of Formula 1 races were not included in Championship results? Classifying these races as 'non-Championship' does a great disservice to drivers of the Moss / Fangio / Clark / Stewart era, skewing statistics, giving an unfair comparison to modern era races. 

If the same drivers, in the same F1 cars, compete at the same tracks, and over a similar distance, then surely each race deserves to have its place in the records as a ‘Championship quality’ event. Brian Harvey has included such races alongside contemporary Championship races and, combining them with known figures since 1980, to produce what is surely The Real Score of Formula 1 - a full and complete picture. 

Hardback or fixed format eBook • 20.7x25cm • 352 pages • 156 pictures

Find out more or buy your copy here

Any one of these books provide you with all you need to hone your F1 punditry prowess enough to get you through qualifying and near the front of the grid …  pole position, fastest lap, and top spot on the Pundit Podium is yours!

The first female F1 driver in over 40 years ... ?

For the first time in 43 years, a female driver is poised to race in Formula 1.

Tatiana Calderón is a test driver for the Alfa Romeo Formula 1 team, and this year was signed by BWT Arden to drive for them in the current FIA Formula 2 Championship – the first woman to drive in the championship. The 26-year-old Columbian knew from a young age that she wanted to race cars, having grown up attending races, and taking part in kart racing as a hobby.

Courtesy: Motorsportpic.de

Teammate to the late Antoine Hubert, Calderón is helping to pave the way for a new wave of female drivers – she is an ambassador for the FIA Women In Motorsport Commission, an advocate for Dare to be Different, and is a part of the W series, the ground-breaking racing series for women launched last October. 

There have only been a handful of female drivers who have driven at Formula 1 level, with Desiré Wilson being the only woman to ever win a Formula 1 race, winning at Brands Hatch in the British Aurora F1 championship in 1980. Driven by Desire, published by Veloce, recounts Wilson's incredible and unique career, from grassroots racing, to Formula 1 and the IndyCar World Series, this fascinating story shows that a woman can, and did, fight her way to the top of motorsport. 

Calderón will be staying in Formula 2 for the rest of this year and, if there are no upcoming chances to join Formula 1, she'll seek a sponsor so she can drive in Formula 2 for another year. 

Speaking to Forbes: "My goal is to 100 percent get to Formula 1. I know I can do it. It is just about putting everything together in the right moment."

Our latest Formula 1 books,  Formula One: All The Races – The First 1000 (limited to 1000 numbered copies, exclusively available from our dedicated website) and Formula 1 The Knowledge (signed copies available) contain all the facts, figures and statistics that you could possibly want to know when it comes to Grand Prix racing. And who knows, maybe in future editions of these books, there could be more female drivers appearing in those stats!

Goodwood Festival of Speed

This year's iconic festival takes place from the 12th to the 15th of July, and this year's event is extra special, as the festival is celebrating it's Silver Jubilee!

The first festival, held in June 1993, redefined what a car event could be, and, in the years since, it has firmly established itself as the world's greatest celebration of motorsport and car culture. To commemorate this milestone birthday, the Duke of Richmond, the event's founder, will be picking his 25 favourite moments from the first 25 years.

It's not just the festival's anniversary that will be celebrated, as two iconic marques will be commemorating their own significant Jubilee in West Sussex this weekend. The central focus of this year's event will be the Porsche 356, which is celebrating it's 70th anniversary. The 356 was the original rear-engined, rear-wheel-drive sports car of the Stuttgart marque, staring a lineage that survives to this day with the 911. The Central Feature, designed by Gerry Judah, will be erected in front of Goodwood house, making the German marque the first manufacturer in history to be commemorated with the Central Feature for the third time.

Land Rover's Platinum anniversary will also be celebrated at Goodwood, with a parade of 70 vehicles heading up the famous hillclimb. Featuring in this parade will be an original Range Rover, and one of the last Defenders to roll of the production line. 

"It's a great occasion for us to be able to bring two iconic British institutions together in anniversary years. We're honoured to be able to host the Land Rover 70th parade up the hill for our Silver Jubilee." – Duke of Richmond. 

The festival is renowned for attracting the rarest and most exciting road and race cars and motorcycles ever created, with this year being no different. Here are some of the standouts that will be making an appearance this weekend.

Special Edition Ford Mustang GT and Ford Mustang Bullitt

A special edition Ford Mustang GT paying tribute to the US fighter pilots who served in the RAF during World War II will be making it's world debut. This one-of-a-kind Mustang GT takes inspiration from the RAF Eagle Squadrons that flew over the fields of Goodwood nearly 80 years ago, so it's fitting that it makes its first appearance here. This car will be piloted up the hill by world champion Formula Drift driver Vaughn Gittin Jr on Thursday 12 July, and will be on static display throughout the rest of the festival.

Ford Eagle Squadron GT Mustang

Accompanying this unique car is the all new Ford Mustang Bullitt, along with the iconic 1960s original Mustang GT Fastback, made famous by Steve McQueen in the film, Bullitt. Ford revived the Bullitt name with an all-new model launched at this year's Detroit Motor Show, to mark the film's 50th anniversary. Both cars will be taking on the hillclimb over the course of the four-day festival.

Mustang Bullitt '68 and '19

Goldeneye Aston Martin DB5

One of the most famous Bond cars is going to be going up for auction at Bonhams Festival of Speed sale at Goodwood on Friday 13 July. The Goldeneye Aston Martin DB5 is expected to sell for between £1.2 and £1.6 million. When bought by the current owner back in 2001, the car became the most valuable piece of Bond memorabilia ever sold. It has previously been on display at both The National Motor Museum and the Bond in Motion exhibition at Covent Garden.

"The DB5 is the Ultimate Bond car. Every fan remembers Pierce Brosnan tearing through the hills in this car, and it must be up there as one of the most thrilling Bond car chases in history." – Sholto Gilbetson, head of Bonham cars.

Roborace

Roborace will be attempting the first-ever fully driverless hillclimb when the firm's autonomous race car, Robocar, takes on the 1.16-mile track, guided only by automated systems. The vehicle will be tasked with navigating hay bales, flint walls and forests on the Goodwood estate, using a variety of sensors that give it 360-degree machine vision. In addition to this historic run, visitors will also be able to enjoy the hillclimb from the Robocar's point of view, in a custom, fully immersive VR experience in the Roborace booth, located inside Future Lab.

Tesla

The new Tesla Model 3 will make its European and UK debut, when it appears on the Telsa stand alongside the larger Model S Saloon, the Model X SUV and Tesla's home charging Powerwall. The Model 3 is proving to be popular in the States, with around 5000 cars rolling off the line a week – a milestone that was hit at the end June, just meeting Tesla's own quota target for the end of the 2nd quarter for 2018. According to tests carried out by the American Environmental Protection Agency, the Model 3 can cover 310 miles on a single charge. It's estimated that this car will cost around £30,000 when it hits the UK market in a year or so, and that's after the £4500 government grant for zero-emissions vehicles is applied.

All of this, and much more, will be on show at this weekend's festival. It's sure to be a great 25th anniversary for this iconic event!

New exhibition at the Louwman Museum

Here at Veloce, we are rather fond of Mercedes Benz, having published many titles on this iconic marque. This summer, the Louwman Museum, in the Netherlands, will host a special exhibition dedicated to a racing classic. 

Following the successful 'Silver Arrows 1934 - 1939' exhibition held in 2012, the Louwman Museum, in close cooperation with Mercedes-Benz Classic in Stuttgart, Germany, is proud to host an exhibition of the legendary Mercedes-Benz racing cars from the 1950s during the summer months (July 7 to September 2). The seven unique cars represent one of the most heroic periods in the history of motor racing. 

All the cars have earned their place in the motor racing history books. However for Dutch enthusiasts, the No. 8W 196R featured in the key visual of the exhibition is extra special. 

Then reigning Formula One World Champion Juan Manuel Fangio won the 1955 Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort in this car, finishing just 0.3 seconds ahead of his teammate Stirling Moss. This was just one month after Moss' and Fangio's legendary one-two victory with the 300SLR racing sports car in the gruelling Mille Miglia. Film footage will be shown to illustrate these epic races. 

Probably the most valuable car in the world, the 300SLR 'Uhlenhaut-Coupé', will be on display in Holland for the first time. 

This coupé version of the 300SLR (W196S) never actually took part in an official race, but it is regarded as the first supercar of the era: a two-seater thoroughbred racing car featuring a roof and gull-wing doors. Based on the extremely successful W196R Formula One car, it had a top speed of almost 300km/h (186mph): a sensational speed – not only at the time. 

Just as special is the 'Blue Wonder', the racing car transporter, which was built in 1955 to transport and service the Mercedes-Benz racing cars during long-distance races. This ultimate service vehicle was based on both the 300 S and 300 SL and had a top speed of 170km/h (105mph): the fastest racing car transporter ever. 

The 'Silver Arrows, Mercedes-Benz Racing cars of the 50s' exhibition includes Formula One cars and sports cars that won not only Grand Prix events, but also long-distance races, such as the Mille Miglia and the Targa Florio within the sports car championship. The link between racing and series production is demonstrated by two 300SL 'Gullwing' exhibits: the W194 racing car from 1952 and the W198 production car which was derived from it. All of the cars have an extensive racing history, involving such famous racing drivers as Juan Manual Fangio, Stirling Moss, Karl Kling and Hans Herrmann. 

The cars in this temporary exhibition are without exception first class exhibits from the permanent collection of Mercedes-Benz Classic in Stuttgart, Germany. 

Robert Ackerson's limited edition book Two Summers – The Mercedes-Benz W196R Racing Cars explores the Mercedes-Benz W196R's historic roots, development, and its place in Grand Prix racing, detailing its triumphs, struggles and disappointments, as well as the spirited challenges from Maserati, Ferrari, Gordon and Lancia. If you can't make it over to the Louwman Museum this summer – and you really should, as it is an excellent place, full of a huge array of fantastic cars! – then this book would be perfect for those who want to learn more about this historic icon.

What a race!

Here's hoping we aren't in for a Bank Holiday washout, as this year's Donington Historic Festival will be celebrating an iconic Formula 1 race ...

One of the most memorable events in the history of Donington Park, the rain-soaked 1993 European Grand Prix will be celebrated at this year's Donington Historic Festival – which runs from the 4th to the 6th of May – with on-track F1 car demonstrations on the Saturday and Sunday, plus static displays on all three days. In addition, DHF visitors will be invited to get involved by sharing their own memories of the race before and during the Festival.

The 25th anniversary activities add a further exciting dimension to the event, where visitors can enjoy three days of world-class historic motorsport from an outstanding line-up of grids featuring an incredibly diverse range of racing machines spanning nine decades!

The Festival's anniversary theme celebrates that unforgettable day in April 1993, when the crowds flocked to Donington Park as the circuit played host to its first Grand Prix in 55 years – and the first European Grand Prix in eight years. Torrential rain made the track treacherous, as, starting from 4th position, Ayrton Senna battled it out with Alain Prost, Damon Hill and Michael Schumacher to win by an incredible 80 seconds.

The F1 cars on show pay tribute in particular to Ayrton Senna, and were either driven by him or against him during his career up to 1993. They include:

• The Toleman TG-184-01 Hart Turbo in which Senna caused a sensation for Friday practice at the 1984 British GP
• A Camel Lotus/Judd 101/3 campaigned in 1989 by Nelson Piquet and Satoru Nakajima
• Gerhard Berger's 1992 Canadian GP-winning McLaren MP4/7A-8 (courtesy of the Donington Collection museum)
• A 1993 Benetton B193B raced that year by Michael Schumacher and Riccardo Patrese
• The McLaren MP4/8 was Senna's test car for the 1993 Donington Park race (courtesy of the Donington Collection museum)

The McLaren MP4/8

DHF visitors will be invited to share their memories of that famous race on display boards at the Festival and, prior to the event, motorsport fans will be invited to send in their own images and memories of the race, which will be printed out and put up on a 'scrapbook' board for everyone to enjoy. 

Do you have fond memories of that race on Easter Sunday, 1993? Be sure to share them with us in the comments below!

Here's to 2018!

First of all, a very Happy New Year to all of our readers! It's hard to believe that it is already 2018, but there is plenty to look forward to in the motoring world this year – not to mention a fair few milestone anniversaries to celebrate. 

First, let's take a look at some iconic events that will be celebrating big birthdays this year. Goodwood's annual Festival of Speed will be marking its 25th anniversary this July. Over the weekend of the 12th to the 15th, along with the usual incredible displays, the Duke of Richmond (formerly Lord March) will choose his top 25 moments from the event's history.

Next month sees 70 years since the meetings that led to the official formation of the National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR). To celebrate this, Darlington Raceway, in South Carolina, will be celebrating 'Seven Decades of NASCAR' for its 2018 season, with a specific nod to the landmark birthday with the Official Throwback weekend of NASCAR, which will be held from the 31st of August to the 2nd of September. 

This summer's Silverstone Classics show will see a number of birthdays in its midst. The Jaguar XJ and the Jaguar XK120 will be celebrating their 50th and 70th anniversaries respectively, whilst the Austin Healey Sprite will be turning 60. Also, marking their diamond jubilee, will be the MSA British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), with many events taking place over the weekend of the 20th to the 22nd of July. The celebrations for BTCC's 60th birthday kicks off this weekend at Autosport International, with a stand enabling fans to get up close to the drivers and a selection of the latest machinery, as well as a number of historic cars from the championship's distinguished past.  

Car Celebrations

Hot Wheels and Chevrolet – 50 years

2018 marks the 50th anniversary of the brands' collaboration, and to commemorate the occasion, Chevrolet is releasing a special edition Hot Wheels Edition Camaro. Since the debut of the custom Camaro back in 1968, every generation, and nigh-on every variation, of this model has been replicated in 1:64 scale by Hot Wheels – one variation is even included in our book Diecast Toy Cars of the 1950s and 1960s. This car looks to be ideal for automobile fans, and avid toy collectors!

Photo from http://www.chevrolet.com/camaro-life/hot-wheels-edition#

The first Lamborghini – 55 years

Marking its first appearance at the Turin Motor Show in October 1963, this year sees the 55th anniversary of the original Lamborghini, the 350GTV. Since then, countless models of the Lamborghini have rolled off the production line, such as the fabulous Urraco and the Murciélago.

Lotus Joins F1 – 60 years

In the Monaco Grand Prix of 1958, Team Lotus made its Formula 1 debut, entering two Type 12s, driven by Cliff Allison and Graham Hill. After placing 6th and 26th respectively, the team took their notes from the race and redesigned the cars based on the success of rival competitors. Two years later, the team entered a Type 18 Lotus, driven by Stirling Moss. Not only is it 60 years since Team Lotus first entered, but it is 55 years since they won their first World Drivers' Championship. Fancy widening your scope of F1 knowledge? Brian Harvey's book Formula One – The Real Score? is just the tome to help you see the sport in a new light. 

Corvette – 65 years

Designed by Harley Earl, this American car was the first all-fibreglass-bodied sports car built in the United States. There have been many changes to the Corvette over the past 65 years, and they are still as popular today as ever. If you're considering purchasing a classic Corvette for yourself, make sure you have to hand a copy of Tom Falconer's Corvette C2 Sting Ray 1963-1967 Essential Buyer's Guide – a model which is, coincidentally, turning 55 this year!

Morris Minor – 70 years

As mentioned back in November, Veloce will be marking the 70th anniversary of the iconic Morris Minor with a new book by Ray Newell, Morris Minor – 70 years on the road, which looks in detail at
the development of the wide range of models during a production run that spanned 22 years in the UK. If you're looking to join those who have a Minor in time to celebrate its platinum anniversary, grab a copy of Morris Minor & 1000 Essential Buyer's Guide, also by Ray Newell, to help you find the perfect example!

Porsche 356 – 70 years

Porsche's first production vehicle will also be turning 70 this year, and Brian Long's The Book of the Porsche 356 will tell you all you need to know about the coupé that helped launch the marque. 

24 Hours Le Mans – 95 years

May marks 95 years since the first 24 hours of Le Mans. Known as the ultimate endurance race, this event is a true test of man and machine, and has been held every year since 1932, except for the war years. 

Ford Model T – 110 years

110 years ago saw a revolutionary event in the motoring world, with the release of the Ford Model T. Generally regarded as the first affordable automobile, and one that helped to get a large number of people on the road, it's not really surprising that it was name the Car of the Century back in 1999. Veloce publishes Ford Model T – The Essential Buyers Guide for those who want to take the plunge today. 

Ford Motor Company – 115 years

Not only will Ford be celebrating the anniversary of the Model T, the company as a whole will also celebrate it's 115th birthday.
On June 16th, 1903, Henry Ford and 12 stockholders met in Detroit, Michigan to sign and notarise the legal documents, which would help to create the Ford Motor Company. We have many great books relating to all things Ford, but a stand out one is Ford Design in the UK, which details the design work undertaken in the UK, with a focus on the Dunton studio in particular. 

For more great facts from motoring days past, make sure you check out This Day in Automotive History. Author Brian Corey has found a fact or two for each day of the year, which will be fascinating for trivia buffs and general motoring fans alike. 

Return of the Romeo!

The prestigious Italian brand, owned by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), just last week signed a multi-year technical and commercial partnership agreement with Swiss Sauber F1 Team for participation in the Formula 1 world championship beginning with the 2018 season.

The single-seaters will sport the distinctive colours and logo of Alfa Romeo, the team's Title Sponsor, and will be equipped with 2018 Ferrari power units.

The scope of the agreement includes strategic, commercial and technological cooperation in all applicable areas of development, including access to engineering know-how and the expertise of Alfa Romeo technical staff. This partnership will provide additional opportunities for the two organisations, in both Formula 1 and the automotive sector in general . 

The official name will be Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team.

Sergio Marchiane, CEO of FCA, said: "This agreement with the Sauber F1 Team is a significant step in the reshaping of the Alfa Romeo brand, which will return to Formula 1 after an absence of more than 30 years. A storied marque that has helped make the history of this sport, Alfa Romeo will join other major automakers that participate in Formula 1. The brand itself will also benefit from the sharing of technology and strategic know-how with a partner of the Sauber F1 Team's undisputed experience. The Alfa Romeo engineers and technicians, who have already demonstrated their capabilities with the newly-launched models, Giulia and Stelio, will have the opportunity to make that experience available to the Sauber F1 Team. At the same time, Alfa Romeo fans will once again have the opportunity to support an automaker that is determined to begin writing an exciting new chapter in its unique, legendary sporting history."

Pascal Picci, Chairman of Sauber Holding AG, commented: "We are very pleased to welcome Alfa Romeo to the Sauber F1 Team. Alfa Romeo has a long history of success in Grand Prix racing, and we are very proud that this internationally renowned company has chosen to work with us for its return to the pinnacle of motorsport. Working closely with a car manufacturer is a great opportunity for the Sauber Group to further develop its technology and engineering projects. We are confident that together we can bring the Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team great success, and look forward to a long and successful partnership."

The return of Alfa Romeo, one of the major protagonists in Formula 1 history, is expected to contribute significantly to the appeal and future development of the sport. Alfa Romeo brings with it technological know-how and a large and passionate fan base, while participation in the championship also offers benefits for the brand in areas such as technology transfer and road safety. 

Alfa Romeo is known around the world for its racing heritage and technological excellence. The undisputed champion of the pre-war Grand Prix (in 1925, the GP Tipo 2 dominated the first World Championship), Alfa Romeo participated in Formula 1 from 1950 to 1988, both as a constructor and engine supplier. Immediately upon its debut, Alfa Romeo won the first two drivers' world championships, in 1950 and 1951, with drivers Nino Farina and Juan Manuel Fangio. From 1961 to 1979, Alfa Romeo participated as engine supplier to several F1 teams. Following its return as a constructor in 1979, Alfa Romeo achieved its best result in 1983, taking sixth place in the constructors' championship. More than 30 years after withdrawing as a competitor from Formula 1 (1985), the brand is returning with the clear intention to make its mark.

If you're a fan of Formula 1, and fancy reading more about the times when Alfa Romeo originally competed in races, then why not take a look at Brian Harvey's book Formula One – The Real Score?, a rewriting of the records of Formula One and its best drivers to include every race of equivalent standard to the official World Championship rounds. And for the Alfa Aficionado, we have Johnny Tipler's recently reprinted Alfa Romeo Giulia GT & GTA, now in paperback!

John Surtees: legacy of a legend

John Surtees, MBE, OBE, CBE

John Surtees at Goodwood Revival, 2011. 

John Surtees is a name that most fans of motor racing will be familiar with. His racing career spanned 20 years, starting in 1952, but his involvement in racing continued until the end. A regular figure at race meets, circuits, and on TV, Surtees' trademark wide smile, enthusiasm, and energy won him many friends and fans. He won no fewer than 8 title wins, achieved – remarkably – on two and four wheels: a feat that is unlikely to ever be repeated in the modern era of motor racing.

Surtees was born into a family already mad about motorsport, and his first racing appearance came in the sidecar of his father's Vincent – a race that they won … but later disqualified for, for being too young. At 15, he raced in grasstrack competition, and, a year later, went to work for Vincent as an apprentice. The following year, he caught the attention of race goers and works teams alike, by keeping Norton's Geoff Duke honest and on his toes during a race at Thruxton.

With Norton's interest piqued, he was offered sponsorship by its race chief Joe Craig, and Surtees duly responded by beating Duke at Silverstone and Brands Hatch. Despite Norton's racing success, and partly due to it, the company faced financial difficulties, so Surtees accepted an offer from the more financially stable MV Agusta.

In 1956, he won the 500cc world championship, only partly assisted by a six-month ban for Geoff Duke, incurred from Duke's support of a riders' strike for more starting money. Whilst the following year only saw a third place finish for Surtees, Gilera and Moto Guzzi's retirement from GP racing at the end of '57 saw him pilot an MV Agusta to a further three 500cc titles, in 1958, '59, and '60 – as well as the world championships in the 350cc class in the same three years.

Surtees' astonishing career, which aside from his hat trick of class doubles, had seen him claim 250 race wins from 352 starts, had also made Surtees' known to a wider audience, and in 1959, he won BBC Sports Personality of the Year. He is still the only motorcycle racer to have been awarded the honour.

Surtees at the Isle of Man TT. This was his final TT win, the 1960 Senior. When he switched to four wheels, his place at MV Agusta was taken by Gary Hocking. From Racing Line.

In 1960, and despite his initial scepticism, Surtees switched to cars, in part due to MV Agusta's refusal to allow him to ride any other two-wheel marque. Racing against Jim Clark at Goodwood in Formula Junior, a rookie error led to him losing his chance of victory – but he was noticed by Colin Chapman, who signed him up to race in F1: a jump that modern F1 racers would find incomprehensible.

Surtees was immediately competitive, aided by the Lotus 18 of Chapman, but a falling out with Chapman, and fellow driver Innes Ireland, over who would drive beside Clark in '61, saw him walk from Lotus.

Stints for Yeoman Credit Cooper and Bowmaker Lola teams over the next few seasons enabled Surtees to continue to compete. Ferrari had already contacted Surtees, who felt it was too early in his career to drive a 'cavallino rampante.' Despite being told by Enzo Ferrari that he would not ask him again, at the end of a difficult '62 season, Enzo did just that, and Surtees accepted.

Surtees' first F1 win came at the Nürbergring. It was in 1964, however, following victories in the German GP and Monza, that he won his first F1 world championship, in the new V8 Ferrari 158, wearing the livery of NART (North American Racing Team).

The 1964 Mexican Grand Prix saw Surtees take second place,
behind Dan Gurney, and just ahead of team-mate Lorenzo Bandini. From Formula One – The Real Score?

The following year was a disappointment for Surtees, with no victories on the track. In September '65, Surtees crashed whilst practicing in his own Lola T70 at the Mosport Park circuit, Canada, and was in a life-threatenting condition for several days. Amazingly, he recovered enough to be back behind the wheel the of the Ferarri by the start of the '66 season.

Political machinations, and a long-sour relationship with team manager Eugenio Dragoni, eventually led to Surtees jumping ship mid-season to Cooper, whos Maserati V12-powered T/81 took him to victory in Mexico … he even managed to finish second in the title fight to Jack Brabham.

1967 saw a switch to Honda for two seasons, with whom he gained his last world championship success, at the Italian GP at Monza. A 1969 BRM stint left Surtees frustrated, and he decided to develop his own F1 cars. With Cosworth engines, the cars showed much promise – enough to coax another two-wheeled legend, Mike Hailwood, to its team … Hailwood went on to win the 1972 European Formula Two championship.

Surtees pilots the V12 Honda RA300. From Grand Prix Ford.

The team finally closed shop in 1978, and Surtees retired from the competitive racing circuit. Surtees held the vice-presidency of the British Racing Drivers' Club, a position he used to help continue and encourage British involvement in international motor sport.

Following the death of his son, Henry, caused by a freak accident at a relaunched F2 vent at Brands Hatch, he devoted his time to supporting the Henry Surtees Foundation, an organisation that helps young people with accident injuries, and develop their capabilities.

The charity became Surtees' main work in recent years, and has raised thousands of pounds for air ambulance services, and head injury research. It was in this capacity that Surtees attended many grass-roots events such as Goodwood, leading him become one of the most familiar, popular, and loved figures, even into his ninth decade. In 1996, John was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame. He was awarded an MBE in 1959 , OBE in 2008, and CBE in 2016.

On March 10th 2016, John Surtees passed away at the age of 83. He is survived by his wife Jane, and daughters Edwina and Leonora.

To find out more about the Henry Surtess Foundation, follow the link below:

http://henrysurteesfoundation.com

John Surtees photo courtesy Supermac1961 from CHAFFORD HUNDRED, England (Sir John Surtees Uploaded by Sporti) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

VIDEO: LOTUS 18 – COLIN CHAPMAN'S U-TURN

The Lotus 18 was Colin Chapman’s first rear-engined single-seater, becoming a milestone in the history of the Grand Prix car.



Colin Chapman’s previous attempts at producing a Formula 1 car had been a complete disappointment. Despite being technically advanced, extreme lightness led to numerous structural failures.
In 1960, Chapman decided to start with a clean sheet of paper, assessing the basic requirements for a contemporary Formula 1 car, and identifying how to achieve them in the most straightforward, uncomplicated way. The result was one of Chapman’s greatest creations – the Lotus 18 – a trendsetting, rear-engined car that was to set new performance standards from the outset.
Driven by some of the top drivers of the era – including Innes Ireland, Jim Clark, and John Surtees – it was Stirling Moss who made the car’s name, winning four Grands Prix, including his sensational victories over Ferrari, against all odds, at Monaco and the Nürburgring in 1961.
This book describes the history of the Lotus 18 throughout its seven-year competition career, via season by season summaries, and provides detailed appendices charting the individual histories of all 28 chassis that were built. Full race results are also presented, along with driver achievements.

Lotus 18 – Colin Chapman's U-turn by Mark Whitelock is available now. Click here for more information about the book.

NEW BOOK "GRAND PRIX FORD – FORD, COSWORTH AND THE DFV” BY GRAHAM ROBSON LAUNCHED AT COSWORTH’S NORTHAMPTON HQ

Legendary personalities from the days of the famous Ford Cosworth DFV engine joined Veloce at the Cosworth factory in Northampton yesterday to launch a new book Grand Prix Ford – Ford, Cosworth and the DFV.



Authored by experienced motoring historian Graham Robson, the book is the only book of its kind on the DFV engine, which powered 13 Formula 1 World Championships between 1967 and 1983.

The book contains a detailed and superbly illustrated account of all DFV-powered cars, providing an insight into a fascinating period of motor racing history. With a limited edition print run of just 1500 copies, the book is expected to become a must-buy for fans of motorsport and automotive history.

The launch of Grand Prix Ford coincided with the 50th anniversary of Ford’s decision to join forces with Cosworth on an engine that would revolutionise Formula 1 and become one of the sport’s most successful pieces of engineering.

Author Graham Robson, third right, with Veloce’s Rod Grainger, Paul Castle and Kim Phillips – Photo courtesy Peter Baker (Retro Speed).

Cosworth’s renowned engineering facility on St. James Mill Road in Northampton, birthplace of the DFV, also celebrated its 50th anniversary earlier this year, which adds to the poignancy of the event. Cosworth opened its doors, so that visiting guests could see the original dyno cells where the DFV engines were tested, Graham Hill’s Lotus 49, with the DFV on display, kindly on loan from Classic Team Lotus & Beaulieu Motor Museum and Keith's original drawing board and drawings.

Amongst the guests were surviving Cosworth staff from the DFV era, who were delighted to share their memories of that period.

Mike Costin – Photo courtesy Peter Baker (Retro Speed).

Ford (Cosworth) DFV engine – Photo courtesy Peter Baker (Retro Speed)
Author Graham Robson said he was delighted to meet again famous characters like Mike Costin, co-founder of Cosworth, and Mike Hall; also current Technical Director, Bruce Wood, at a reception where the legendary Lotus 49 was on display alongside a DFV engine and many more modern examples of Cosworth’s engineering expertise.

Publisher, Rod Grainger, said that he was very grateful to Cosworth for making available their facilities to launch Graham’s new book, for a fascinating factory tour, and for allowing us to see their state of the art automated production facility. He also said that it was a great pleasure to meet so many interesting characters from the DFV era, and to hear their stories. Rod also thanked Classic Team Lotus for loaning their Lotus 49 for the day.



Grand Prix Ford – Ford, Cosworth and the DFV by Graham Robson is available now! Click HERE for more information about the book.

JAMES HUNT & NIKI LAUDA IN VELOCE BOOK!

The stars of the new Ron Howard film Rush to feature in forthcoming book!

Coming soon from Veloce!
Racing with Heroes by Reg May

Retells the stories, revisits the settings and reveals the characters involved in what have been the most thrilling and iconic motor races between 1935 and 2011. Featuring such greats as Tazio Nuvolari, Stirling Moss, Juan Fangio, and James Hunt, to name just a few, the book also includes fan photos and memorabilia collected during the era, and personal experiences of many of these great events.

Reg May has put pen to paper to create a record of iconic and historic races, including such classics as the 1955 Mille Miglia, and the 1957 German Grand Prix – races that the author has heard and read about since his childhood, and that have left a lasting impression.
With personal opinions, careful observations, and measured reflections on motor racing in general, Reg has added his own personal experiences of motor racing, and penned a volume that excites as well as informs the reader.
Reg injects his infectious enthusiasm for the sport, whilst painting a vivid picture of each event and its backdrop, Racing with Heroes captures the atmosphere of these great races, immersing the reader in the action as history is made. More info. Available November 2013!

GOODWOOD FoS 2012 PHOTOS

Here are some photos from Goodwood Festival of Speed last weekend. Highlights included the stunning Gerry Judah Lotus sculpture, Her Majesty The Queen's Diamond Jubilee collection, Chris Evans magnificent seven Ferrari's, the forest rally stage and the'Young Guns - born to win' theme, celebrating drivers who made a huge impact on motorsport from an early age.

WORLD FIRST: ALL 3 6-WHEELER F1 CARS GATHERING AT GOODWOOD FoS 2012

Next week’s Festival of Speed (28 June -1 July) will see a unique gathering of unusual British Formula 1 machines, as for the first time ever, anywhere in the world, three infamous cars with 18 wheels between them come together at Goodwood.

The six-wheeled Tyrrell P34, March 2-4-0 and Williams FW08B have never been gathered together before, so the chance to see all three six-wheelers line-up in the paddocks at the Festival of Speed will be an exceptional one, not to be missed by any motor racing enthusiast.

Tyrrell raced the celebrated P34 six-wheeler in 1976 and 1977, with four wheels at the front. Fellow British Formula 1 teams March and Williams also built experimental six-wheeled cars, but with four wheels at the rear for increased traction. The March 2-4-0 - of similar vintage to the Tyrrell - will be making its Goodwood debut.

Like the March 2-4-0, the 1982 Williams FW08B had four rear wheels. It was designed for reduced drag, increased grip and improved ground effects, and was based on the conventional four-wheeled FW08. It was tested once and set lap records, with its unusual set-up providing huge grip and acceleration. In 1983 new F1 regulations banned six-wheeled cars, as well as four-wheel-drive, putting an end to the development of the six-wheeled experiments such as the Williams and March.

The six-wheeled F1 cars will be joined by more than 300 other vehicles at Goodwood.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: ANTHONY CARTER REFLECTS ON A LOST ERA OF MOTOR RACING

Motor Racing - Reflections of a lost era
By Anthony Carter

A defining era in motorsport documented in words and intimate photographs, both black and white and colour, from the mid-1950s through the 1960s, when motor racing was still accessible to all, and the 1970s when overt sponsorship and television changed the sport for ever.

More info.

BRM - a mechanic's tale
By Dick Salmon. In collaboration with Anthony Carter.

Probably for the first time, criticism is leveled at both Louis Stanley, and the introduction of the H16 engine as contributory factors to the failure of British Racing Motors. Louis Stanley for his freeloading extravagance, and the rather foolish decision by the management to specify such a complicated and bulky power unit. More info.

Motor Racing – The Pursuit of Victory 1930-1962
By Anthony Carter.

Previously unpublished, stunning photographs from motor racing history, in a book that examines the many facets of Grand Prix racing before the dominance of television. A beautiful look at a fascinating time in motor racing.

More info.

Coming soon! Motor Racing – The Pursuit of Victory 1963 to 1972 By Steve Wyatt. In collaboration with Anthony Carter.
Picking up where the first volume left off, this is a beautifully illustrated journey covering a period of ten years in motor sport. Moving year by year, this book is written from the perspective of a passionate motor sport enthusiast of the day. Features many previously unpublished photographs. More info.

DRIVEN BY DESIRE - THE DESIRÉ WILSON STORY IS BOOK OF THE MONTH IN OCTANE MAGAZINE!

Click image to view full size

New! Driven by Desire - The Desiré Wilson story
By Alan Wilson
Forewords by Lord March & Derek Bell MBE
The story of the driver rated by many as the best woman ever to race cars, and the most capable ever to have driven in Formula One. Her 50-year career began at the age of five in South Africa, moving to Holland and England and then the USA, before gaining renewed life at the famous Goodwood Revival historic race events. This fascinating story shows that a woman can, and did, fight her way to the top of motorsport.

Click here for more info about the book!

THE DESIRÉ WILSON STORY INTERVIEW VIDEO

Check out the video interview we recorded with Desiré & Alan Wilson & Andrew Marriott!

BOOK LAUNCH AT GOODWOOD REVIVAL 2011!
Driven by Desire - The Desiré Wilson story
By Alan Wilson
Forewords by Lord March & Derek Bell MBE.

The story of the driver rated by many as the best woman ever to race cars, and the most capable ever to have driven in Formula One. This fascinating book shows that a woman can, and did, fight her way to the top of motorsport.

Click here for more info about the book!


Desiré Wilson will be at Goodwood Revival all weekend signing special editions of her book, which will only be for sale at the event. Special signing sessions have been arranged*, so don't miss out on this great opportunity!

Friday 16th
10.15-11.00am – Richmond Shop
1.45-2.30pm – Goodwood Road Racing Club Enclosure

Saturday 17th
10.00-10.45am – Goodwood Road Racing Club Enclosure

Sunday 18th
10.00-10.45am – Richmond Shop

*details are subject to change – visit the Press/Media Centre during the event for the latest.

ADRIAN NEWEY WINS MOTORSPORT AWARD

Adrian Newey was presented with the MIA's most prestigious personal Award by Damon Hill during their annual Summer Reception at the House of Lords hosted by Lord Drayson. Newey took the MIA Award for the Most Outstanding Personal Contribution to the Motorsport Industry, following his exceptional success over the past 30 years.

Newey joins a highly-impressive list of previous MIA Award winners, including Harvey Postlethwaite, Ross Brawn OBE, Sir Frank Williams CBE, Sir Stirling Moss OBE, Sir Jackie Stewart OBE, Tom Wheatcroft and Bernie Ecclestone, among others.

Newey is widely regarded as one of the greatest engineers in motorsport history, being the only designer to win the Formula One Constructors Championship with three different F1 teams. As Technical Director of Red Bull Racing, he designed their 2010 championship-winning car, the RB6, and is enjoying his 2011 RB7 design dominating the field once again.

In 1980 - straight from Southampton University - he joined Fittipaldi under Harvey Postlethwaite, then March, where he had his first taste of success in the USA, designing IMSA GTP winners and Indy cars. His 85C chassis won the Indy 500 and took the CART title.

In 1990, he joined Williams F1, and - with Patrick Head - was instrumental in making F1 champions of Nigel Mansell, Damon Hill, Jacques Villeneuve and Alain Prost. He moved to McLaren F1 to do the same for Mika Hakkinen.

Since 2006, Adrian has brought success to Red Bull Racing, with last year's fabulous double world championship win.

He races for enjoyment in his GT40, Jaguar E-Type and Ginetta G50, and more seriously in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. He was presented with his own Red Bull RB5 as a reward for his achievements with the team.

Source: MIA

Stayed tuned to see the video interview we recorded with Adrian Newey at Goodwood Festival of Speed (coming soon on our YouTube channel!) We spoke to him about the foreword he provided for forthcoming Veloce book Race & Trackday Driving Techniques having been instructed on a trackday at Goodwood in 2005 by the author of the book, David Hornsey.