Senna Versus Prost

Oct 1, 2024 11:47 AM

Author:Malcolm Folley

Senna Versus Prost

In the late eighties and early nineties, Formula One was at its most explosive, with thrilling races, charismatic drivers, nail-biting climaxes - and the most deadly rivalry ever witnessed in sport. Two of Formula One's most honoured champions and iconic figures drove together for McLaren for two seasons, and their acrimonious and hostile relationship extended even after one of them had left the team.

ALAIN PROST, France's only F1 world champion, the intelligent, smooth driver with the epithet 'Le Professeur'.

AYRTON SENNA, the mercurial kid from a privileged background in Sao Paolo who would become the most intense and ruthless racing driver the world has ever seen.

It was a story that would have a tragic ending.

As the great rivals raced to victory, their relationship deteriorated badly, beginning with the breaking of a gentleman's agreement, and public spats followed, culminating in Prost accusing Senna of deliberately trying to ride him off the circuit, and fearful that the Brazilian would get someone killed with his daring overtaking feats. And the final, sad act of this drama happened at the San Marino Grand prix at Imola in May 1994, when Senna was killed.

Featuring a rare interview with Prost, and insight from Martin Brundle, Damon Hill, Sir Frank Williams, Bernie Ecclestone, Derek Warrick, Johnny Herbert, Gerhard Berger, plus McLaren insiders and other F1 figures, Malcolm Folley provides us with a breath-taking account of one of the all-time classic sporting rivalries.

Reviews

Great rivalries are among the glories of sport, and Malcolm Folley's book Senna Versus Prost ... examines one of the most fascinating

—— Guardian

The writing is excellent, which is no surprise coming from this seasoned journalist. The narrative is intelligent ... A familiar story is still worth telling if done well. In this case, it's mission accomplished

—— Motor Sport

Thanks to Folley, we have Alain Prost's account of a time when F1 ran red from the pit stop to the podium to enlighten us on one of racing's greatest rivalries

—— GQ

... for a superb insight into antagonism between F1 team-mates, read Malcolm Folley's brilliant new book Senna Versus Prost, which charts the rivalry between two of the sport's greatest-ever drivers

—— Daily Mirror

With the inside track of having covered the sport for a number of years, Folley writes with authority as he weaves a picture of the sporting greats lives and rivalry

—— Press Association

Having covered the sport for a number of years, Folley writes with authority as he weaves a picture of the lives of two of the sport's greats and how their rivalry played out

—— Daily Star

Malcolm Folley's excellent book gives a blow-by-blow account of a fascinating chapter in F1 history

—— 4 stars, Irish Daily Star on Sunday magazine

A breathtaking read

—— Brighton Argus

Brilliantly retold

—— Mark Perryman , Socialist Unity

If you haven't bought Tom English's book about the 1990 match - The Grudge - then do yourself a favour and get it now. It's terrific

—— Alex Massie , Spectator

Tom English's excellent book, The Grudge, revisits an occasion when sport and politics and ancient rivalry came together

—— Chris Foy , Daily Mail

True tales: great stuff

—— Frank Keating , The Guardian

Shudderingly good ... English has a rare talent for getting to the core of a person

—— Rugby World

Thatcherite politics and rugby come crashing into contact in this rich and textured account

—— i

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