March and 1970

Over the last few weeks, preparations for the 2016 Grand Prix season have been hectic as the teams have to pass their safety checks and manage all the other schedules, documentation, travel arrangements, etc. These all have to be completed before they can start the new season. Whatever the excitement of these final weeks, my lifelong interest in a motor racing season has never been surpassed by the pre-season Formula One presentation by March prior to the start of the 1970 World Championship.

In 1969, I was commentating at a race meeting at Silverstone when I had a visitor in the box, Max Mosley, whom I’d first met when he was racing in UK events. He was born in 1940 and educated in both Europe and the UK. I had followed his move to Formula Two and subsequent career, and between races we chatted about cars, drivers and the future. Max is one of the most intelligent people I have ever met and would, of course, remain in motor racing throughout his business life.