Reliving the Mercedes-Benz vs. Auto Union Rivalry Through Bernd Rosemeyer’s Legacy

Few motor racing battles have such enduring appeal as those between Mercedes-Benz and Auto Union. It was arguably the most courageous chapter in Grand Prix history, and Bernd Rosemeyer became its very essence

Audi

Taken from Motor Sport, June 2013

Thirty or so years ago I wrote a column for Autosport about Bernd Rosemeyer, long dead before I was even born, yet the figure of legend who first captured my imagination, triggering a life-long love affair with motor racing.

Soon afterwards, in the Zandvoort paddock, Murray Walker told me he had enjoyed the piece and had something he wished to give me. He then opened his case and handed me a single sheet of paper. When I took in what it was, I reeled.