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.
How pragmatic principles made Tauranac a design legend Jack Brabham's 1966 world championship campaign in his eponymous car was also a defining moment in the career of designer Ron Tauranac, who would apply the same ethos to his ultra-successful production racing car business, Ralt F1
The wild Austrian GP that launched a future champion Alan Jones's maiden grand prix victory was also the Shadow squad's sole win. Neither expected that result from a 14th-place starting position, but it would spur the Australian on his path to become a future Formula 1 world champion F1
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 Formula E's open title fight was defused in two races It was open season as Formula E returned to action, with the championship contenders all close on points ahead of the six-part Berlin E-Prix. But after just two races, Antonio Felix da Costa's dominance has all but defused the title fight FE
How Red Bull's other 2020 star has made Marko "really happy" Max Verstappen has strongly led the charge for Red Bull so far in Formula 1 2020, mixing it with the mighty Mercedes team on occasion. But another driver on the energy drink giant's books has also been delivering fine performances this season F1
Why the FIA's Racing Point verdict pleases nobody While Racing Point blasted a "bewildering" 15-point penalty and €400k fine, many F1 teams felt it had gotten away lightly with running illegal brake ducts. Rather than providing closure, the FIA's ruling instead presents questions aplenty F1
How a change in priorities is making F1 stronger Strong governance, and a spirit of co-operation engendered by the COVID-19 crisis, has resulted in Formula 1's 'new deal'. PAT SYMONDS explains why it's a change for the better F1
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