Formula 1's Unsung Pioneers: The story of the British Racing Partnership and how it launched motorsport into the modern era

The British Racing Partnership (BRP) was a special British racing team that operated from 1958 to 1964. They were the first fully sponsored team in Formula 1, partnering with Yeoman Credit, and transformed the sport. This book tells the entire history of BRP in unprecedented detail, with more than 300 period photographs, and will be treasured by motorsport enthusiasts.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2022
Publisher: Evro Publishing

The British Racing Partnership (BRP), a renowned British racing team that operated from 1958 to 1964, holds a unique place in motorsport history. BRP is best remembered for its association with the legendary Stirling Moss, who tragically lost his career in a catastrophic crash at Goodwood in 1962 while driving a BRP-entered car. However, BRP's significance extends beyond Moss's tragic accident. In a groundbreaking move, BRP became the first fully sponsored team in Formula 1, partnering with Yeoman Credit, a forward-thinking finance house. This partnership not only revolutionized the sport but also paved the way for future sponsorship deals in motorsport.

This comprehensive book, written by renowned motorsport historians, delves into the entire history of BRP with unprecedented detail. Through extensive research and numerous interviews with key participants, including Stirling Moss himself, team boss Ken Gregory, top driver Tony Brooks, chief mechanic Tony Robinson, and many others, the authors have uncovered a wealth of information and anecdotes that shed light on the team's journey. The book is lavishly produced and illustrated with over 300 period photographs, providing a visual feast for motorsport enthusiasts.

BRP's story begins with the formation of the team by John Cooper and Tony Brooks in 1957. The duo had a vision to create a successful racing team that could challenge the established giants of Formula 1. They started with a small workshop in Surbiton, Surrey, and gradually built a reputation for producing high-quality racing cars. Their first success came in 1958 when they won the 24 Hours of Le Mans with a Cooper T51 driven by Mike Hawthorn and Peter Collins.

The team's association with Stirling Moss began in 1959 when Moss joined BRP as a driver. Moss's talent and charisma quickly made him a fan favorite, and he went on to win several races for the team, including the 1961 British Grand Prix at Silverstone. However, it was at the 1962 Goodwood Festival of Speed that Moss's career took a tragic turn. While driving a BRP-entered car, he lost control and crashed into a tree, suffering severe injuries that ended his racing career.

Despite the setback, BRP continued to thrive in Formula 1. The team partnered with Yeoman Credit in 1962, and this sponsorship deal provided the financial stability needed to compete at the highest level. Under the guidance of team boss Ken Gregory, BRP continued to develop and improve their racing cars, and they achieved several more victories in the years that followed.

One of the most significant achievements of BRP was their sponsorship of the Lotus team in 1968. This partnership marked a turning point in the history of Formula 1, as it was the first time that a private company had fully sponsored a racing team. BRP's investment in Lotus helped to transform the team into a dominant force in the sport, and they went on to win several championships under the leadership of Jim Clark.

BRP's legacy extends beyond their success in Formula 1. The team's innovative engineering and design principles influenced the development of racing cars for many years to come. Their commitment to innovation and excellence has earned them a place in the hearts of motorsport enthusiasts worldwide.

In conclusion, the British Racing Partnership (BRP) is a remarkable story of a special British racing team that made a significant impact on the sport of motorsport. From their early days in 1957 to their sponsorship of the Lotus team in 1968, BRP's journey is a testament to the passion, dedication, and innovation of the team's founders and participants. This book, through its extensive research and detailed illustrations, provides a captivating account of BRP's history and legacy, and it will be treasured by all motorsport enthusiasts.

Weight: 2282g
Dimension: 299 x 288 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781910505724