The Toleman Story
By Christopher Hilton
After Ayrton Senna dominated British Formula Three, he tested for four F1 teams. Only one owner offered him a contract, however, Ted Toleman. It was a brilliant move, but apart from Senna’s single season of emerging brilliance in its cars, Team Toleman never really found its feet in F1. Had it not been for questionable circumstances in Monaco in 1984, however, one might now find Toleman listed among those teams that have won Grands Prix.
That was the pinnacle for Toleman, as Senna moved on to greater things with Lotus and McLaren, and after one more year Team Toleman was sold to Luciano Benetton, who helped it reach its potential. Senna was not the only Toleman alumnus to thrive, however, as men like Derek Warwick, Rory Byrne, Pat Symonds, and John Gentry all enjoyed their own racing glories after tenures at Toleman.
Tales of those times have now been collected by author Hilton in this new book, which also provides complete results for the team’s efforts in F3, F2, and F1. Available for $69.95 from enthusiast bookstores, or direct from publisher Veloce Publishing at www.veloce.co.uk
