Jochen Rindt was two people. To those he disliked, he was arrogant and dismissive. To those he chose to befriend, a warm, humorous character who liked to laugh and joke yet who needed nobodys help. To countless race fans across the globe, he was simply the man who could do the impossible. Rindt remains Formula 1s only posthumous World Champion, having been tragically killed at Monza on 5 September 1970 while leading the title race by a big margin. Jackie Stewart, a close friend, believed him to be one of the cleanest men he ever raced against, and the fastest; Bernie Ecclestone, another close friend, believed he was the best of his time; and Alan Rees, Rindts team-mate believed he was every bit as good as Jimmy Clark.
Beating the established aces at the big Formula 2 race at Crystal Palace
in
1964. Le Mans, 1965, taking a NART-entered Ferrari 250LM to a surprise
victory with Masten Gregory. Difficult F1 seasons with Cooper and Brabham -
1965 to
1968. Maiden GP victory at Watkins Glen in 1969 driving a
Cosworth-powered Lotus 49B. A brilliant 1970 season that included four
consecutive wins. Fatal practice crash at Monza - following the deaths of
his friends Bruce McLaren and Piers Courage he had been considering
retirement.
David Tremayne, one of the finest writers about both present and past Formula 1, has produced a superb body of work published by Haynes. Recent books include two Guild of Motoring Writers' award winners, Science of Formula 1 Design and Lost Generation, as well as The World's Fastest Diesel.
