Formula One Uncovered: The Other Side of the Track

Derek Allsop, motor racing writer for the Independent, has enjoyed the privilege of covering Formula One for 18 years. His wealth of experience has seen him write six books on Grand Prix racing and his seventh, Formula One Uncovered, is a rare treat for those seeking the inside story on the sport.

Allsop follows the circus through 12 races of the 1998 season--the European campaign plus the finale at Suzuka--and gains some candid interviews with those behind the wheel and behind the scenes of the world's most exclusive sport.

Ron Dennis, Eddie Irvine and Damon Hill are among those who let their guards drop to provide a fascinating insight into the glamour, tactics and pit-lane politics of Formula One. Allsop balances his frank exchanges with the frivolous, from the Portaloos of San Marino to Mika Hakkinen's tortoise, ensuring the book appeals to both casual armchair viewers and to the track-side fanatics alike.

F1 Uncovered represents good value, but the appeal of the book is slightly spoiled by eight pages of unnecessary photos--after the treat of a Dennis tirade do we really need a blurred photo of the Minardi crew eating pasta? A small criticism for an otherwise great book. --Amazon.co.uk