Description
By: Peter Warr .
Between 1969 and 1989 Peter Warr was one of the most respected figures in Formula I. spending most of that time running Team Lotus. This is his compelling memoir, which provides candid perspectives on the people he knew, worked alongside and competed against.
During Peter's time, Team Lotus was one of the best and most successful Formula 1 teams, winning Grands Prix, taking World Championship titles, and repeatedly bringing innovation — and sometimes controversy — to racing car design. While the mercurial genius of Colin Chapman inspired Team Lotus to the heights it achieved, everyone in the paddock knew that it was Pettis energy, commitment, drive and organisation that made it all work. Then, in 1982, when Lotus was numbed by Chapman's premature death, all of Peter's strength of character came to the fore as he ensured that the team carried on without its founder.
This memoir is special because of' its unique and frank assessments of people and events. Half of the book covers the drivers Peter worked with, and he provides many insights into the characters and achievements of true greats such as Emerson Fittipaldi, Ronnie Peterson, Mario Andretti and Ayrton Senna, as well as those he rated less highly. There are also chapters about the mechanics — in his view the real heroes of the show — as well as the designers and engineers, and Colin Chapman himself. There is also a very personal view of Bernie Emit-stone, whom Peter knew even before his purchase of the Brabham team set him on the road to becoming a Formula 1 mogul.
As this memoir remained unfinished at the time of Peter's death in October 2010. it has benefited from commentary and biographical additions by Simon Taylor. a journalist, publisher and radio commentator who knew Peter well throughout his Formula I career.
Straight-talking and unfailingly honest. this first-hand account of 20 years of Formula I is essential reading for all motor racing enthusiasts.
