The Chariot Makers: Assembling the Perfect Formula 1 Car
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Paperback, 240 pages
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Reviews
(Rated 3 out of 5)
On the whole this isn't a bad read - but not brilliant. The context of the story is dull (some meeting of like minded stranded passengers before a flight on concorde). The details about the car are genuinely interesting and even insightful, but the most of the parts described are not shown in a diagram of photo - so if you have never seen the constituent parts of an F1 car, this book and its few photos isn't going to help you understand.
(Rated 5 out of 5)
Steve Matchett's third book (his first two, "Life In The Fast Lane" and "The Mechanic's Tale" are classics of motor racing literature) is still partly autobiographical - it describes his switch from mechanic to TV presenter, and his move to France - but its main purpose is to describe the design and construction of the modern (2000 onwards) F1 car.
Structured around a series of conversations Matchett had while waiting for a delayed flight (although taking a little dramatic licence), the book covers in considerable detail the hypothetical design of the "perfect F1 car".
Areas covered include chassis, fuel system, transmission, engine, suspension, aerodynamics, tyres, brakes, electronics. In each area Matchett examines how F1's got where it is today, looks at the design alternatives, and describes what's "best in breed". Few doors in F1 are closed to Steve - his long stint as a senior Benetton mechanic and his television work mean he knows most of the technical people and there is a lot of insight into "why" as well as "how" in this book - his own experience colours a lot of the choices, too, with some solutions being described as ideal in theory, but unworkable in practice purely because they're so hard to assemble or maintain!
Matchett always writes well and engagingly, and this is a book that's intelligent, literate, technically sound, occasionally amusing, cogently argued and full of surprising insight into why some conventions of F1 design have arisen.
An excellent overview of modern F1 technology by a true insider. Those who want to go much further should have a look at Peter Wright's "Formula 1 Technology", but for most readers this is all the technical background you'll need. Excellent.
(Rated 5 out of 5)
For a sport with the following that Formula 1 has it is amazing that thereare not more books on the subject of how, why and what makes a Formula 1car work. The few there are tend to be very technical and not for thelayman. There must be thousands of fans and enthusiasts who would love toknow more? But where to start and who to ask?, that,s the question...theanswer, a mechanic of course! Enter Steve Matchett and his latest book"The Chariot Makers". This is an excellent book, and as an ex-Benettonmechanic turned TV broadcaster, (who has worked with some of the biggestnames in the sport)he should know what he,s talking about, and he does. Heshares with us his vast knowledge and wealth of information in astraight-forward, easy to understand (plain english), witty and conciseway. He covers all aspects of the car from monocoque, suspension, fueltank, steering rack, ballast/centre of gravity, engine, gearbox, exhaust,differential, aerodynamics, oversteer/understeer and so much more. Aidedby some superb photo,s. He explains each techincal term as it comes up,which is a major plus. This is a fantastic book, a brilliant startingpoint for those who want to get started and whet their appatites. Thosewith a basic knowledge but want to delve deeper, then this is a large poolto delve. For the rest it is an enthralling and enligthening read. If youare into Formula 1 technology? then this book is for you. Do yourself afavour and check it out now.