Formula 1 Books - F1 Specialties


Home \| Help \| Contact	Saturday, 04 September 2010 01:49 am PST

Books: Autocourse Grand Prix Annuals

Autocourse 2003-2004 Grand Prix Annual Item #2003 - $49.95
	Champion: Michael Schumacher. The 2003 FIA Formula 1 World Championship saw Michael Schumacher clinch an all-time record sixth title crown, eclipsing at long last the record of five championships that had been established by the legendary Juan Manuel Fangio in 1957, which had endured for the subsequent 46 years. Yet Schumacher and the Ferrari team, which also established a new benchmark by taking an unprecedented fifth consecutive constructors' championship, did not have an easy ride by any means, and the outcome of this epic contest was not resolved until the 16th and final round of the series. By any standards, the 2003 season was rich in variety, action and controversy. If Michael Schumacher emerged again as the sport's leading driver, there were clear signs that his pre-eminent role was facing more long-term threats than ever. In particular from Fernando Alonso, newly promoted to the Renault F1 squad, who first established himself as F1's most youthful pole winner, then as the sport's youngest ever grand prix winner, thanks to his victory in Hungary. In addition, Kimi Räikkönen, Juan Pablo Montoya, Ralf Schumacher, Rubens Barrichello and David Coulthard all won races, and there were strong signals that not only Renault, but also BMW Williams, McLaren Mercedes and - in the longer term - Toyota are all lining up to challenge Ferrari in future. It was a season that saw new ideas and controversy aplenty. The FIA forced through changes to the grand prix weekend's format, introducing one-lap qualifying sessions and a pare fermé system that prohibited any serious work on the cars - without specific permission - between the end of qualifying and the start of the race. There were objections to the validity of these changes by Williams and McLaren, who took their complaints to the International Chamber of Commerce in Lausanne, while back on the circuit there were challenges from Bridgestone-user Ferrari over the legality of the Michelin tyres in certain circumstances. This all added up to a fascinating kaleidoscope of changing fortunes for the leading protagonists and one of the best F1 seasons in recent memory, which happily was reflected by revived fan interest and steadily rising television viewing figures. Foreword by Michael Schumacher Edited by Alan Henry Hazleton Publishing - 2003 Hardbound, 9¼" x 12½" 272 pages, 275+ color illustrations
Home \| Contact Us \| Ordering information \| Frequently Asked Questions