Life at the Limit: Triumph and Tragedy in Formula One [Paperback]

Sid Watkins (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1996

This work offers the memoirs of Grand Prix's on-track doctor, Professor Sid Watkins. If there is a crash, it is Watkins who gets there first. He is closely involved in improving safety at the circuits and in developing rapid response medical rescue.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 258 pages
• Publisher: Motorbooks Intl (July 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0760303150
• ISBN-13: 978-0760303153
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,308,093 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A memoir from the front lines of F1 safety and medicine, November 14, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Life at the Limit: Triumph and Tragedy in Formula One (Paperback)

A fitting testament to Professor Watkins' work in Formula One -- in which he waged a long battle to improve circuit safety and medical care facilities for drivers -- this memoir is filled with both poignant and joyful moments. It starts with the weekend of the San Marino GP in May 1994, where Watkins was told by Ayrton Senna, "Sid, there are certain things over which we have no control. I cannot quit, I have to go on." Covering the deaths of Senna, Gilles Villeneuve, Ronnie Peterson and others by the man who was first on the scene of their accidents, one might expect this to be a maudlin tale of lost glory. But Sid Watkins is not that type of person, and neither is his book.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Destined to become a classic in motorsport literature., February 14, 1999

By 

Trisha Saxon "Trish" (Wilmington, NC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Life at the Limit: Triumph and Tragedy in Formula One (Paperback)

Professor Watkins provides his insights into the personalities and events of formula one racing based on over two decades involvement with the sport. He has completed more circuit laps in medical vehicles than some drivers are able to accomplish in their F1 career. His humor, dedication to the sport, and commitment to improving safety standards are reflected in this well written book that should appeal to everyone interested in the human aspect of the F1 circus.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating look behind the scenes of Formula 1 racing!, August 23, 1998

By 

Jack W. Stanley (Chicago) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Life at the Limit: Triumph and Tragedy in Formula One (Paperback)

Prof Watkins book is a story no racing fan will be able to put down as you get a first-hand account of Grand Prix racing's dangerous side. Dr. Watkins talks from the viewpoint as the first person to arrive at the scene of every on-track incident to occur, from Ronnie Peterson to Gilles Villeneuve, to Ayrton Senna. This is in no way a grim story, but rather one that adds an incredible human side to a sport which often lacks such an element. Much is also learned about the progress made in track safety and procedures over the last two decades of Mr. Watkins reign as Medical Director to F1. A must read!