I never met Philippe, “Phi Phi” Etancelin, the French grand prix driver who died in 1981 at the age of 84, but I think we could have had a fascinating conversation. He did not have any plans to become a racing driver when, to celebrate the birth of Jeanne-Alice, his first child he bought his…

To anyone who has the slightest interest in Ferrari, whether in grand prix racing or sports car racing, the name Mauro Forghieri is not only familiar but one to be praised as one of the finest engineers in the entire history of Ferrari. He was thrown into the deep end in 1961 when Enzo Ferrari…

On his business card, Derek Daly uses the phrase “be Extraordinary” to attract your attention but it is really not necessary as Derek not only lightens up a room and certainly attracts your attention. In his brash, cocky, matter-of-fact style and like all Irishmen, has a way with a story. Earlier this year he flew…

The Grand Prix Divers Club, though restricted to former Formula 1 grand prix drivers, also embraces a number of Membres d’Honneur, people who have been involved with Formula 1 over the years and who have become legendary for what they have done. One such is Jo Ramirez who was born in Mexico City in August…