Formula One: The Circuits Then & Now is unique and compelling history and guide to some of the
classic grand prix tracks. By pairing vintage images with the same viewpoint today readers can
see how dramatically Formula One has changed over the years from the cavalier attitude to
danger of the past to the sophisticated modern sport we see today. In the 1950s all that
prevented cars from entering Monaco Harbour were some straw bales there was no pitlane and
races weren’t stopped for burning cars. Today Armco and catch-fencing line the harbourside
cranes winch cars to safety in seconds and Tecpro barriers protect the most dangerous corners.
This book includes many historic aspects of F1 from the beautifully preserved pit buildings of
Reims to the great temples of Speed at Monza and Spa-Francorchamps three race venues from
Formula 1’s debut season in 1950. At Monza the lethal concrete banking has made way for a
flat-out road track with chicanes while Spa has cut the dangerous ‘Burnenville’ corner and
moved its pit buildings and startline. Reims’ stopped hosting races in the 1960s and the
infamous Muzon corner now lies under a farmer’s field. Other legendary circuits such as the
Nürburgring’s ‘Green Hell’ are pictured before they became too dangerous to race on along
with Pescara an F1 race through the Abruzzo Hills given special permission to run by the
Italian government after the Mille Miglia tragedy of 1957. Compare the old Österreichring
before it was cut down to size as the Red Bull Ring and see Silverstone complete with the
hangar that gave rise to the ‘Hangar Straight’. In the United States there is the original
Long Beach circuit Watkins Glen with its flamboyant race starter the Las Vegas grand prix
that lasted only two years along with F1’s ill-fated Indianapolis adventure.
