Formula One Features — June 2002

One of the most important elements in Formula 1 in recent years has been the performance of the tires and for the last 18 months there has been a gradually escalating battle for supremacy between Bridgestone and Michelin. The aim of both companies is to sell more tires around the world and with market research suggesting that 35% of customers are influenced by success in Grand Prix racing, the battle is on.

Ninety-five years ago - on June 18th 1907 - the world's first purpose-built motor racing circuit was opened in England. Brooklands, in Surrey, was considered to be one of the seven wonders of the modern age. Today the track is in pieces; the ruins acting as a shattered window to a bygone age. The once majestic banking has been dissected by busy roads, supermarkets and a business park. The people of Brooklands town go about their lives almost entirely unaware of the significance held by the moss-covered monuments, which surround their every waking moment.

People in Formula 1 are always talking about working at 110% in order to be successful. This, as we all know, is impossible but the point they are making is that they are trying to do better than the best and so catch up with the people who are doing the perfect job.