The Mechanic's Tale

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Review ------ Steve Matchett's philosophical account of life behind the scenes of Formula One is a gem of a book which will keep the reader enthralled from beginning to end. In The Mechanic's Tale, a follow-up to his previous offering Life in the Fast Lane, the former Benetton mechanic produces an account of his 10 eventful years in the sport. From his days as an apprentice, to working with the high-tech Ferrari and BMW road cars and then making the switch to the demanding world of F1 supercars, the author remains level-headed and analytical about his experiences. The book is an endearing and revealing tale of a young and determined F1 team going from the development of a fast and reliable car to the heady days of a double world championship victory and then back to the drawing board. The author details the fickle and harsh side of the sport, recounts his conversations with and experiences of some of F1's most famous faces, but never loses touch with the reality of the outside world. Some may criticise the book as slightly indulgent, but it is well-written and thoroughly entertaining, with a picture section that invokes memories of star drivers such as Brazilian greats Nelson Piquet and the late Ayrton Senna. Such a glowing appraisal is not given out lightly, but this book, offering a unique in into one of F1's most exciting and eventful decades, truly deserves it.--Joanne Wells Review ------ A must for the real inside story--FORMULA ONE RACING Every so often, in the endless stream of biographies churned out by the Formula One book industry, something different emerges. This is it. Recommended for anyone interested in F1 on the inside--MOTORING NEWS An essential read--AUTOSPORT