HOW IT BEGAN
McLaren might have won the British Grand Prix with its carbon-chassis MP4/1 in 1981, but it knew the writing was on the wall for for the ageing Cosworth DFV in the face of the mounting turbocharged challenge.
John Barnard had no option to start the search for a turbo engine, but he didn't like what he found.
Gary Watkins has, for reasons best known to himself, devoted all his working life to covering sportscar racing. This season is his 29th as a motorsport journalist, during which time he has reported on major long-distance events on four continents and approaching 70 24-hour races. He reckons a degree in political philosophy makes him well qualified for covering the sometimes Machiavellian world of international sportscars.
Gary, who also writes for Autoweek, Motor Sport, Autocourse, RACER and others, lives in Surbiton but spends more time on the road than at home for most of the year.
Audi's forgotten winner that still holds a Le Mans record In 2010, a 39-year distance record was finally beaten at the Le Mans 24 Hours as Audi claimed its ninth win at the event. It achieved both with a car that's largely forgotten, the 'ugly duckling' R15-plus TDI WEC
What we'll miss about Le Mans this weekend This weekend should've marked the 88th running of the Le Mans 24 Hours - before coronavirus forced it to be delayed until September. We asked the great and the good of the sportscar paddock what they'll most miss about not being at Le Mans WEC
How Sauber created its greatest legacy In the latest part of the series celebrating 50 years of the much-loved Swiss outfit, we examine how Sauber's partnership with Mercedes and its famous junior drivers helped produce its greatest legacy in racing WEC
The manufacturer tie-up that put Sauber on the map In the first of a series of features this week celebrating 50 years of the much-loved Swiss outfit, we revisit how Sauber's partnership with Mercedes helped the privateer take its next step to becoming a major force in sportscar racing WEC
Why doing an Alonso won't work for Dovizioso in MotoGP Talks between Andrea Dovizioso and Ducati for 2021 have stalled again, with a sabbatical a considered option now for the Italian. Fernando Alonso proved there is a route back from his to F1, but Dovizioso can't expect the same in MotoGP... MotoGP
What's new in Formula E ahead of its return? Formula E's coronavirus-forced hiatus is almost at an end as racing is set to resume in August in Berlin. But the series hasn't had a quiet break, with controversy, driver changes and rule changes all dominating headlines FE
Red Bull edges closer to Mercedes as rain threat clouds order One week after the 2020 season started at the Red Bull Ring, the cars are running there again thanks to Formula 1's pandemic-shifted calendar. But this time around practice signs are looking better for the home team, with rain chaos also predicted F1
The measures that could save F1’s struggling grandee teams Formula 1's budget cap may come in to force too late to save some of the most cash-strapped teams - which is why they've taken proactive measures to save themselves, says MARK GALLAGHER F1
Upgrade your experience.
Go unlimited and ad-free today.
Get even more of the motorsport you love with Autosport Plus.
Subscribe to Autosport Plus
Highlights
Series
Explore
