Best gifts for F1 fans: Books (3/5)

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Continuing the guide to the best gifts for F1 fans this year with a look at the rest of the best books of 2007. Yesterday I covered F1 driver biographies and before that F1 videos and DVDs.

It wouldn’t feel like the end of the season for me without a new copy of Autocourse – but there are plenty of other cheaper buys out there if you’re on a budget.

Here’s my pick of the rest of the year’s books.

F1 annuals

Autocourse (2007-2008 edition)

Despite the recent change in publisher Autocourse remains the definitive Grand Prix annual. With reports compiled from some of F1’s best journalists and edited by top F1 writer Alan Henry it is an exhaustive and indispensable guide to the year in F1. It also covers other top motor sports including GP2 and Champ Car.

Even copies 20 years old can already fetch £100 each, so assembling a collection is a daunting task.

The Official Formula 1 Season Review 2007

If Autocourse looks a bit wallet-heavy then this alternative from Haynes is definitely worth a look. About half the size of Autocourse, but not skimping on detail, and nicely illustrated.

Formula 1 Yearbook 2007

Another alternative to Autocourse but I must be honest and say that some past issues have looked hastily put together and dotted with mistakes.

More new F1 books

Unraced: Formula One’s Lost Cars (Sam Collins, 2007)

An unusual but fascinating books about F1 cars designed in the past decade=and-a-half that never saw action on the race track. Includes the Mclaren-Mercedes MP4/18 and several aborted Lolas. (Read the full review of “Unraced”)

Autodrome: The Lost Race Circuits of Europe (Sam Collins and Gavin Ireland, 2007)

A book in a similar vein but instead looking at classic old F1 and other motor racing venues that have fallen into disuse. Covers the Nurburgring Sudschleife, the old Monza banking, Reims and more, and packed with evocative old photography and exquisitely-shot contemporary pictures. (Read the full review of “Autodrome”)

Classic Motorsport Routes (Richard Meaden, 2007)

This book also covers old racing tracks as well as rally routes and more. It’s like a Lonely Planet guide to classic racing venues, showing you where to find the most interesting historical racing circuits and what to see when you visit them. (Read the full review of “Classic Motorsport Routes”)

1982: The Inside Story of the Sensational Grand Prix Season (Christopher Hilton, 2007)

No, it’s not a prequel to George Orwell’s masterpiece. This is an extended look at controversial and tragic 1982 Formula 1 season. If any season merits a detailed historical examination this is surely one of them, and it has some harsh reminders for those who remember past F1 season in purely glowing terms. (Read the full review of “1982”)

Brooklands: The Official Centenary History (David Venables, 2007)

A comprehensive look at the history of Brooklands, the first permanent road racing course, covering its time as a Grand Prix venue and later use as a site for developing aircraft. (Read the full review of “Brooklands”)

The Ford Cosworth DFV: The Inside Story of F1’s Greatest Engine (Andrew Noakes, 2007)

A must for technophiles. The Ford Cosworth DFV should have celebrated its 40th year in F1 in 2007, but for its untimely mothballing as smaller F1 teams demand the reassurance of manufacturer backing. This book tells the story of the engine that revolutionised Formula 1. (Read the full review of “The Ford Cosworth DFV”)

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Keith Collantine
Lifelong motor sport fan Keith set up RaceFans in 2005 - when it was originally called F1 Fanatic. Having previously worked as a motoring...

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One comment on “Best gifts for F1 fans: Books (3/5)”

  1. AmericanTifosi
    30th November 2007, 4:05

    Oh, Autocourse… If only I wasn’t so stingy with my cash. Curse my penny-pinching Scandinavian roots!

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