Emerson Fittipaldi - heart of a racer

By Karl Ludvigsen

ISBN 1 85960 837

Published by Haynes, £25

If there is an extra spark in this latest addition to Karl Ludvigsen’s biography series it is because he has known Fittipaldi for so many years, and he certainly gets across the wide range of the Brazilian’s talents. This is a man who started out building and racing his own karts and creating specials like a twin-engined VW, and grew into one of the most professional, methodical drivers in F1. The text conveys something of Emmo’s nature, relaxed but dedicated when needed, as he pursues two separate driving careers, first in F1 and later in CART, which made him a double world champion, CART champion and twice Indy winner.

It’s just a shame that the layout offers such repetitive photography from such a varied career. Foreword is by long-time Fittipaldi associate Teddy Mayer, who fondly recalls Emmo’s frustratingly relaxed timekeeping.