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Motor Sport Magazine Podcast

Frank Dernie | Engineering the Greats

In a career with Hesketh, Williams and Benetton - to name a few - Frank Dernie helped haul F1 into the digital era, pioneering the use of data loggers, active suspension and extensive wind tunnel testing. He also worked with many the legends of the sport, including Nelson Piquet, Nigel Mansell and Michael Schumacher. In the latest from our podcast series, he tells us what it takes to engineer the greats.

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  • 8. Emerson Fittipaldi: Centenary Stories

    01:02:52||Season 1, Ep. 8
    In a little over an hour, two-time F1 world champion Emerson Fittipaldi looks back on a glittering motor sport career: from his first trip to England and his F1 deal with Colin Chapman, to contending against the next generation of F1 drivers and the struggles of creating his own F1 outfit. He also speaks on his friendship with Ronnie Peterson; his decision to leave Lotus; joining McLaren; and his fierce rivalry with IndyCar star Al Unser Jr.
  • 6. Sir Jackie Stewart: Centenary Stories

    53:24||Season 1, Ep. 6
    Sir Jackie Stewart joins Rob Widdows in the latest episode of our centenary series, celebrating 100 years of Motor Sport through the eyes of some of its greatest characters,In the space of an hour, the three-time F1 World Champion recalls the racing — and autographs — that inspired him as a child, and led him to immense success. He talks of the camaraderie between the drivers of the 1960s, and the tragedies that spurred him to lead a safety revolution.There's the story of how close he came to becoming a Ferrari factory driver; the episode that led to a lifetime of mistrust between him and Enzo Ferrari; and the ensuing partnership with Ken Tyrrell.Far from contemplating a quiet life, Sir Jackie speaks about his career after racing: team ownership, his continued love of Formula 1, and his enduring fight to find a cure for dementia.
  • 5. Derek Bell: Centenary Stories

    01:14:49||Season 1, Ep. 5
    Five-time Le Mans champion and three-time winner of the 24 Hours of Daytona Derek Bell joins Rob Widdows for the latest in our special podcast series, celebrating 100 years of Motor Sport magazine.Bell, who earned a reputation for his ability to bring a car home no matter its condition, speaks of racing at Le Mans and recalls some of his favourite memories with team-mates Jacky Ickx, Pedro Rodriguez and Stefan Bellof. He also reveals how racing at Daytona, often provided a greater challenge than the French classic
  • 4. Dario Franchitti: Centenary Stories

    01:04:34||Season 1, Ep. 4
    Dario Franchitti is the latest to make an appearance on our special podcast series, celebrating 100 years of Motor Sport magazine.The Scot is one of Britain's most successful IndyCar drivers, claiming three Indianapolis 500 crowns and four championship titles in a 265-race IndyCar career, sealing his place as a racing legend.
  • 3. Damon Hill: Centenary Stories

    54:05||Season 1, Ep. 3
    Damon Hill is Rob Widdows' latest guest in our special podcast series, celebrating 100 years of Motor Sport Magazine.The 1996 Formula 1 World Champion reflects on following his father's footsteps into the world of Grand Prix racing; driving alongside the likes of Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna; and against Michael Schumacher before winning the title.
  • 2. John Watson: Centenary Stories

    01:10:17||Season 1, Ep. 2
    A five-time grand prix winner who partnered the likes of Niki Lauda and Alain Prost, John Watson came achingly close to winning the 1982 Formula 1 World Championship.He's Rob Widdows' latest guest in a special podcast series marking 100 years of Motor Sport‘s publication, as he charts a changing era of F1 when Lauda and Mario Andretti introduced new levels of professionalism and ruthlessness to the sport.In a series of fascinating and funny tales, Watson covers driving for Bernie Ecclestone's Brabham team, witnessing Lauda's influence, and seeing the emerging talent of Prost. The driver who still holds the record for winning a grand prix from furthest back on the grid (22nd place) also tackles the art of overtaking and gives his predictions for the future of racing.
  • 1. Mario Andretti: Centenary Stories

    01:03:47||Season 1, Ep. 1
    F1 World Champion, four-time IndyCar title-holder and Daytona 500 winner, Mario Andretti is the first guest in a special podcast series marking 100 years of Motor Sport‘s publicationAndretti has been a regular in Motor Sport‘s pages for more than half that time, and is still making headlines, with plans to be the first to test the Andretti F1 car, if the team is granted a place on the grid.He joins Rob Widdows to recall a career that made him one of the sport’s all-time greats, from watching Stirling Moss and Alberto Ascari as a spectator, to meeting Colin Chapman, succeeding in F1, and then racing against his son.
  • 2023 F1 season review pt 2 with Mark Hughes, Alex Brundle and Damien Smith

    44:52|
    There was one overwhelming Formula 1 winner in 2023, but who were the other stars aside from Max Verstappen and Red Bull?Motor Sport's F1 editor, Mark Hughes; racer and broadcaster Alex Brundle; and Motor Sport special contributor Damien Smith discuss the top performers of the season, including the drivers who showed world championship potential, but didn't have the machinery to win, the remarkable turnaround from McLaren, and the races of the year.Once you've heard their views, don't forget to vote for your choices in the Motor Sport Season Review Awards, in association with Pocher 1:8 Scale Models. Have your say before December 20 for a chance to win Goodwood Season Tickets worth more than £1900.
  • 2023 F1 season review pt 1 with Mark Hughes, Alex Brundle and Damien Smith

    40:41|
    It was a season of overwhelming domination by Max Verstappen... and of intense competition in the chasing pack.What was the secret of Adrian Newey's rocketship Red Bull? What happened to Aston Martin's early challenge? And what is going on with lewis Hamilton and Mercedes?Mark Hughes, Alex Brundle and Damien Smith form our expert panel to look back over the year and the crucial moments that shaped the 2023 season. Once you've heard their views, have your say on the Motor Sport website by voting in the Season Review Awards, in association with Pocher 1:8 Model Kits by December 20.