General Motorsport Book Reviews and Suggestions

If you want more information on any of these books or wish to purchase them just click the book cover/icon to the left and it will take you to the appropriate page at Amazon.co.uk And don't forget to look out for the spinning star - my 'must read' recommendation!

Autocourse is the annual Formula One yearbook published by Haymarket. With contributions from top journalists, it provides a comprehensive guide to the season with full and in-depth race reviews and analysis, technical focuses, driver profiles and full statistics. The photography in Autocourse is stunning. There's short reviews of British F3, F3000 and American racing provided with full result statistics. Autocourse makes a great collection and it is worth looking for copies from seasons past at discounted prices. The link at the left will take you to the page regarding Autocourse 2003 - use the search facility to find editions from other years.

'The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Formula One" edited by Bruce Jones.

This book covers many facets of Formula One with sections on the origins of F1, a season-by-season account of the World Championships (driver & constructor) and profiles of some of the most famous teams and drivers. It covers other aspects of racing too, including looking at the business of F1, technology, spectators and, famous races and events. The book is well illustrated throughout with many photographs, diagrams and tables but is more of a reference book than a sit down and read.

'Ayrton Senna's principles of Race Driving' by Ayrton Senna. Senna, three time world champion, was tragically killed in 1994 at the age of 34. Considered as one of the all time greatest drivers this book is a must read for all up and coming racing drivers discussing the fundamental requirements and techniques of race driving. Illustrated with clear diagrams throughout the book covers driving position, braking, acceleration, how to set up and prepare a race car and racecraft. Even for those who do not intend to get behind a race car wheel it is an interesting insight into the preparations required and an especially interesting insight into Senna, notably the section on physical and psychological preparation for aspiring race drivers

'The Best Book of Formula Facts & Stats Ever!' Bruce Jones doesn't really live up to its name. It has short reviews of Formula One's most famous teams and drivers though in the drivers section I can't help but think they've missed some worthy names out in favour of more modern names. There's a short list and review of 'Great Races' and short histories of some famous circuits. There are many tables and lists of statistics of race results from 1950, Championship results and career stats of selected drivers. There is an interesting section of Formula One records including tables on such things as most starts, most wins, most pole positions etc.

'The Concise Encyclopedia of Formula One' by Bruce Jones(yes again!!)

Once again Jones covers the development of Formula One racing, team and driver profiles complete with many illustrations. Forwarded by Murray Walker, this is quite up-to-date if you are looking for your first, all round Formula One history book.

'Echoes of Imola' by David Tremayne was written after the tragic deaths of Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger at the San Marino, Imola 1994. This book looks at the after effects of these deaths and the legacy of Imola as a historic and important F1 circuit. Tremayne handles the emotive subject of this book very well and it provides a privileged insight into the feelings of drivers and F1 followers after such an event.

'Winning: The Business of Formula One' by Russell Hotten. For my studies I read Hotten's first book 'Formula 1: The Business of Winning'. This book focuses on the financial and business side of F1 providing an interesting analysis of sponsorship, television broadcasting and the power struggles within F1.

'The Complete History of Grand Prix Motor Racing' by Adriano Cimarosti is another mammoth reference book charting the development of Formula One from 1950. However, unlike other books of this vein, Cimarosti provides us with more in-depth accounts of the technical developments of the sport. For those with an interest in F1 technology and car design this is probably of more interest than the other histories reviewed. The technical information is illustrated with detailed pencil drawings. Also, he charts the modifications of tracks over the years. A nice touch is the printing of autograph Cimarosti has collected over the years.

'The Chequered Flag: 100 Years of Motor Racing' by Ivan Rendell was invaluable to me during my studies. This work covers motor racing from its birth in the late nineteenth century and though as the work progresses Formula One and Indycar racing is its main focus, it also refers to other forms of car racing such as Sportscars. The book is well illustrated with photographs and diagrams. Written year-by-year, an interesting asides are the tables of each year with short and unusual facts and events. Despite covering such an immense subject this book is informative and very readable.