Patrick Tambay – The Ferrari Years
By Massimo Burbi
Evro Publishing has managed to release two “jewel in the crown” books within weeks of each other. The first, Brian Redman—Daring Drivers, Deadly Tracks, which I enthusiastically reviewed a couple of months ago has been closely followed by Patrick Tambay—The Ferrari Years by Massimo Burbi, which is written in a very similar vein where the reader wants to keep turning page after page consuming and hanging on every single word and phrase. The subject of this tome, Patrick Tambay, was one of those Grand Prix drivers who despite having all the skill, guile and verve required for the top echelons of the sport, remained a complete gentleman. It was those characteristics that initially drew author Burbi to follow his hero, from an early age.
Many discussions with Tambay himself led to his honest and frank recollection of the “prancing horse” team history during one of the most turbulent times they have endured—chasing a dream, losing the enigmatic Gilles Villeneuve, and the weight of the tifosi squarely on Tambay’s shoulders carrying the revered No. 27 to produce a top finish every time. It is the story of a dramatic and emotional rollercoaster ride for the Frenchman who delivered one of Grand Prix racing’s most dramatic wins at the 1983 San Marino GP.
The text of this book has been augmented by a considerable number of photographs including many from the Cahier Collection—some may say to the point of overload, but that’s not a criticism on my part, just an observation. With a Foreword by former multiple World Champion and fellow countryman, “the professor” Alain Prost, this is another of those books that is a must for the racing enthusiast and should be firmly fixed at the top of any wish list.
Available for £60 / US$89.95 direct from www.evropublishing.com
