Formula One Features — August 1991

For a decade Andrea de Cesaris has been fighting off a reputation he made as a youngster at McLaren. Today he is ninth in the World Championship and the Formula 1 circus is beginning to look differently on the Italian.

In the intense heat and humidity of a race like the recent Brazilian Grand Prix, drivers are working hard in extreme heat. They are encased in triple-layer nomex suits, balaclavas and full-face helmets. The body's reaction is to sweat. If, in the course of a race, fluid loss becomes too serious, drivers will pass out. It is only natural. Unconsciousness is the body's inbuilt protection mechanicism, yet when a driver does collapse everyone throws their hands up in horror. How can it happen?

Frank Williams took a lot of risks when he decided to introduce the Williams-Renault FW14 this year. The car had a semi-automatic gearbox which had never been raced. If it failed he would have Renault breathing down his neck, demanding success. He would have his drivers screaming for reliable cars, but if it worked the FW14 would fly. It would be unbeatable.

Over in France Gerard Ducarouge's switch from Larrousse to Ligier is big news but "The Duke" is not keen on talking to the press. However, we persuaded him to tell his story.

Johnny Herbert has many ups-and-downs during his motor racing career. June saw him return to Formula 1 with Team Lotus, win the Le Mans 24 Hours for Mazda and celebrate his 27th birthday.