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Grand Prix programmes (not the race) - Sunday
Rod Ends - 22/3/11 at 10:07 PM

Formula One's 60th Anniversary: Plus Ca Change
Sunday, 20:00 on BBC Four

quote:
The 60th anniversary of Formula 1 is celebrated by a unique gathering of eighteen world champions at the season-opening Grand Prix of 2010.
Bahrain's ultra-modern desert circuit is a world away from the post-war austerity of F1's first ever race at Silverstone in 1950 and yet,
as legends such as Jackie Stewart, Michael Schumacher, Nigel Mansell and Lewis Hamilton share their racing experiences,
it seems that some things never change.

Grand Prix: The Killer Years
Sunday, 21:00 on BBC Four

quote:
In the 60s and early 70s it was common for Grand Prix drivers to be killed while racing, often televised for millions to see.
Mechanical failure, lethal track design, fire and incompetence snuffed out dozens of young drivers.
They had become almost expendable as eager young wannabes queued up at the top teams' gates waiting to take their place.

This is the story of when Grand Prix was out of control.

Featuring many famous drivers including three times world champion Sir Jackie Stewart OBE,
twice world champion Emerson Fittipaldi and John Surtees OBE,
this exciting but shocking film explores how Grand Prix drivers grew sick of their closest friends being killed
and finally took control of their destiny.

After much waste of life, the prestigious Belgian and German Grands Prix would be boycotted, with drivers insisting that safety be put first.
But it would be a long and painful time before anything would change, and a lot of talented young men would be cut down in their prime.

norfolkluego - 22/3/11 at 11:35 PM

To be fair it was Jackie Stewart who started the safety campaign and took a fair bit of flack for it at the time.
Read his autobiography recently, got the feeling he never enjoyed racing to be honest.

Craigman9 - 22/3/11 at 11:39 PM

Lewis Hamilton is already deemed a legend????

norfolkluego - 22/3/11 at 11:49 PM

Why have a pop at Hamilton and not Mansell, both won one world championship, both great drivers (with their own flaws) in my opinion

[Edited on 22/3/11 by norfolkluego]

Craigman9 - 22/3/11 at 11:52 PM

Very fair comment, I should have thought that through a little more before posting......... Hamilton still has time but I agree he has flaws.

norfolkluego - 23/3/11 at 12:01 AM

quote:
Originally posted by Craigman9
Very fair comment, I should have thought that through a little more before posting......... Hamilton still has time but I agree he has flaws.


They all do, all of them, only human after all.

Look at Vettel last year, worthy champion but a lot of mistakes, should have walked it really in that car, needed a mistake from Ferrari in the last race to clinch it.

Craigman9 - 23/3/11 at 12:04 AM

Fingers crossed for a British champion and an entertaining championship!