Working The Wheel - Martin Brundle and Maurice Hamilton - book review

Another item in my library of motorsport books is "Working The Wheel", by Martin Brundle and Maurice Hamilton, first published in 2004. This is a series of recollections and analyses of Formula 1 circuits and venues, based on the words of the former Grand Prix driver and Sportscar World Champion.

The text I think reflects Brundle's feisty but honest, no-nonsense racing persona. His views on some circuits are intriguing and hardly stereotypical, but his reasoning usually appears sound. He welcomes changes made to some tracks, which in other quarters have been decried.  He prefers a tricky or convoluted section of track to replace a flat-out section which represents little in the way of challenge to the driver, and with dangers ever-present.

A very practical and pragmatic philosophy emerges, although at the same time Martin underlines his respect for the traditions of motor racing and also his sense of history. He, for example, clearly relishes the atmosphere at places such as Monza.

"Working The Wheel" is liberally peppered with anecdotes from Brundle's time as a racing driver, many of these stories related to contentious or murky episodes, and doubtless made easier to recount by the passage of time.  It is fascinating to hear his own personal perspective on some epochal incidents and iconic personalities, and his own, sometimes peripheral role in how things unfolded.

There is lots of "local colour", and vivid memories of the individual flavour and atmosphere of the circuits and their environs. Some might think that a disproportionate amount of space is given over to amusing (and occasionally hair-raising) stories about Brundle's travels to and from circuits, but these add to the entertainment value, and also help to provide an insight into the pressures and the existence.

Some of Martin's observations remind us of his own narrow escapes from disaster, and his hard-luck stories, and also of incidents which have either been forgotten, or did not receive much coverage at the time when they happened. Minor triumphs and tragedies which combine to form a rich tapestry, and a window on the personal battles and "little victories" which constitute such a part of the racer's experience.  I was also delighted that he included chapters about Le Mans, as well as a few "defunct" F1 venues, such as Detroit and Adelaide.

In general, the Formula 1 circus comes across as an intoxicating place, and the enthusiasm of the author(s) shines from every page. That said, this tome does shine a light on the hardships which go along with the glory and the riches. I'm still envious of the lifestyle, though.

"Working The Wheel" is a rattling good read.  Some readers might prefer to scan over the more technical passages detailing braking points, racing lines, gear changes and so forth, but the contents are by and large candid, highly entertaining and in places enlightening.

2012 Italian Grand Prix Review

There has always been something a bit special and unique about the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. The history, the fans and the circuit itself.  Other ingredients all add to the mystique and the atmosphere. The race is usually blessed with beautiful late summer/early autumn sunshine.  Adding to all this is the tendency for the championship to be finely poised, and for there to be feverish speculation about "who goes where" for the following season.  Announcements are often made at Monza, or at the very least driver moves come to be regarded as a fait accompli.

Of course, one Lewis Hamilton was the subject of much of the speculation over the three days at Monza, but he put this to one side to do what he does best;that is, drive a Grand Prix car very quickly.  For the second weekend running, a McLaren proved capable of keeping the opposition at arm's length, even if the margin of victory was not ultimately that commanding on the clock.  As in qualifying, the gap between McLaren and the rest just somehow felt significant....

Although Hamilton comfortably held sway at the front, the race behind him was brimming with interest, incident and no little controversy, much of this connected at least tangentially with impending driver moves.

The home team achieved results which in the circumstances were probably as good as could be expected, given Fernando Alonso's grid position and Felipe Massa's difficulties with telemetry in the race.  Although Alonso actually extended his points lead, ironically he may feel less comfortable and secure tonight, keenly aware of the gathering challenge from a newly focussed and invigorated McLaren. 

Felipe Massa appeared positive and bullish before the race, and was positive during it, making a combative start, and driving in spirited fashion for much of the race, proving what he is capable of, before deferring to his team leader.  Cynics might mumble about "contracts time" but he will certainly have enhanced his prospects this afternoon. 

Jenson Button's retirement from the race will have come as a bitter blow to a man with undoubted momentum on his side.  Post-race, however, the Englishman was philosophical, pointing to the advances which McLaren have made in their performance in race trim.

Although it is misleading to describe Hamilton's victory as "routine", it has to be said that much of the spotlight after the race was on the startling and impressive ascent to second place of Sergio Perez.  Benefitting from a bold strategy, he executed some audacious but clean overtaking manoeuvres.  What amused me was that the young Mexican seemed a touch bemused after the race, as if he has not himself yet realised just how good he is!  He is now producing displays like this too regularly for it to be dismissed as "luck".  This kid could be something really special...

A miserable day for Red Bull, and the spectre of alternator maladies raised its head once again.  It has the potential to be an Achilles heel, but it is hard to believe that it won't be addressed swiftly in some form or other.  Sebastian Vettel raced vigorously prior to his drive-through penalty.  I thought that the sanction was warranted, but that it was not perhaps as clear-cut or egregious a transgression as some are making out.

The disappointment of the day may have been Lotus.  Their prospects were much talked up beforehand, the absence of Romain Grosjean notwithstanding.  Although Raikkonen ended up in fifth, we might have expected slightly more, and there were positive noises during practice about the car's pace on fullish tanks.  Mutterings may once again be heard about their strategic abilities and flexibility. With McLaren's renewed potency, has the Lotus "window of opportunity" for a victory passed, I wonder?  We shall see....

Mercedes salvaged something tangible from the day, with both cars in the points.  They were resigned to a two-stop strategy, and their straightline speed in the race was not sufficient to compensate for other shortcomings in the car.  Consequently, they did not have enough overall performance to make up for the time lost in pit-stops.  To their credit, the drivers never ceased in their efforts to recover the deficit. 

A quick word for Daniel Ricciardo, who was once again quietly impressive.  In no way over-awed, he seems perfectly comfortable in this lofty company, as evidenced by his driving when dicing with those making up ground following tyre stops.

One sour note was struck after the race, with allegations of abuse being directed towards Lewis Hamilton by some members of the crowd.

So can Hamilton make a late run for the championship?  He and McLaren certainly have some impetus now, although much may depend on how the car copes with some of the slower and bumpier circuits to come.  Vettel's ability, and the Red Bull's liking for some of those circuits, mean he is still very much in the hunt.  Alonso is still probably the marginal favourite, and can be counted on to accumulate points through his racer's nous and savvy, and the reliability of his vehicle.  The arithmetic is frankly too complex and speculative to bother with at this stage!

Above all, today it was glorious to watch Formula 1 cars going flat-out, and racing, at such a fast and historic circuit.

Peter Gethin

The sad news was announced today of the death of Peter Gethin, Formula 1 driver of the early 1970s, at the age of 71.

Peter was of course best known for his victory in the extraordinary 1971 Italian Grand Prix at Monza, possibly the most exhilarating race in F1 history.  He led home a howling pack of cars driven by Ronnie Peterson and Francois Cevert, amongst others, in what was for many years thereafter the fastest race in the history of the World Championship.

As he crossed the finishing line that day at Monza, mere feet ahead of the pack, Peter had the presence of mind to raise his arm in triumph, just in case there was any doubt about the result in those days prior to the advent of full electronic timing!

The rest of his F1 career could not hope to match the giddy heights of Monza, but he did win a couple of non-championship events, including memorably beating the F1 stars in his F5000 Chevron in the 1973 Race of Champions.

In addition to his F1 exploits, Peter had success in F5000 in both Europe and the Antipodes, as well as in Can-Am racing.

Following his retirement from driving, he remained involved in the sport, becoming involved in team management, including with the Toleman Formula 1 team in 1984.  This meant that he had to deal with a certain Ayrton Senna da Silva.  A contractual dispute meant that the Brazilian was prevented from competing at Monza that year, and there is some famous footage of Peter and Ayrton debating matters in the paddock.

Condolences go to Peter's family and friends.