12 replies to this topic

[Jan Holmskov]

At retromobile I came across a new autobiography of Mauro Forghieri. It is in italian written with Daniele Buzzonetti, published by Giunti Editore.

I am not fluent in italian, but can read fairly well.

The book only has 225 pages of text, and it is my impression that it is quite light on content. There is some interesting information, but certainly nothing controversial. Not many interesting/entertaining anecdotes

Nothing on his personal life except that his father, Recleus, also worked at Ferrari.

Any comments from italian readers ?

[MonzaDriver]

Hi Jan,
me too I looked briefly inside, and it really doesn't look like an autobiography,
it seems much more the writer that speak about Forghieri using the episodes and the things we all know about, nothing new.

It's strange because the publisher: Giunti Editore its very serious, and about art he made a lot of books and valid ideas.

I was very disappointed about it, because you know, Forghieri's thoughts about his years in Ferrari it could be a must.

Ciao To all,

MonzaDriver.

[908/3]

Unfortunately I must agree, this book is the most disappointing I've ever read.
I expected some detailed description of politics in Ferrari, but there's very few information about it.
Honestly you may write a 1.000 pages book about those 30 years in Ferrari and it wouldn't be enough.
A few things for discussion:
1. Forghieri loved technical drivers (Amon and Lauda), which isn't surprising at all, but also says that drivers like Regazzoni helped a lot to develop the cars
2. He says that the Ferrari flat 12 engine wasn't that superior to Cosworth in terms of power in the '70, therefore giving much more credit to the handling department than it's usually believed
3. He admits that Mr. Clark was probably the main reason for Lotus' success in the '60...

ciao

[Jan Holmskov]

Thanks for your comments. They confirm my first impressions.

[Paolo]

I have the book, and I too think it is a missed opportunity, especially from the side of technical info.
Still worth reading, IMHO.

[Arjan de Roos]

I have the book, and I too think it is a missed opportunity, especially from the side of technical info.
Still worth reading, IMHO.

We would indeed look forward to an official autobiography of him. He was there, he saw, judged, determined and he was a main factor in F1, Ferrari and all other racing in his days. It would be sorry his memories would not be put on paper. And translated to English as well.
Several good books are available only in Italian, sharing the secrets from especially Modena. If I was a publisher...

[Paolo]

We would indeed look forward to an official autobiography of him. He was there, he saw, judged, determined and he was a main factor in F1, Ferrari and all other racing in his days. It would be sorry his memories would not be put on paper. And translated to English as well.
Several good books are available only in Italian, sharing the secrets from especially Modena. If I was a publisher...

The sad thing is that the book IS an official autobiography. Buzzonetti assisted in writing, but it is all Forghieri speaking in first person.

[Jan Holmskov]

Arjan,

Which books in italian would you recommend ?

Thanks,

Jan

[Parkesi]

In May 2009 I had the pleasure to do an interview with Mauro Forghieri in Formigine/Modena concerning my Mike Parkes biography.
I met a very amiable and modest man and he took 1 hour of his precious time to answer my questions.
In blazing heat and the air con in his office did not work...
I took my copy of his biography with me and he wrote a warmhearted dedication.
From what I sensed MF (now aged 76) is a VERY busy man and one of his colleagues told me that he is in his company "Oral Engineering"
evey day, deeply involved in the daily business.
For me that might be the reason why this book falls short of your expectation. I suppose there is simply no spare time for MF
to commit himself 100% for a full-blown biography. It is a pity because as a member of the Ferrari nucleus he has recollections without end.

[Arjan de Roos]

Arjan,

Which books in italian would you recommend ?

Thanks,

Jan

"Lettere di corsa. Bruno Solmi. Una vita come meccanico Ferrari (Protagonisti)" By Enrico Solmi

"Gli indisciplinati" By Luca Delli Carri

[Arjan de Roos]

From what I sensed MF (now aged 76) is a VERY busy man and one of his colleagues told me that he is in his company "Oral Engineering"
evey day, deeply involved in the daily business.

He is truly a man gifted with engineering talent and endless energy. Thanks for sharing!

[Paolo]

Arjan,

Which books in italian would you recommend ?

Thanks,

Jan

I'll dare to bump in, and heartfully recommend "Motori ad alta potenza specifica" by Pignone, one of the best tech books I have read in my life.
Good and well written to the point of being entertaining, which for a book about race engine calculations says a lot.

I have read "Gli Indisciplinati" that Arjan recommends, and I agree, it is a masterpiece.

Edited by Paolo, 27 January 2011 - 20:04.

[Arjan de Roos]

I'll dare to bump in, and heartfully recommend "Motori ad alta potenza specifica" by Pignone, one of the best tech books I have read in my life.
Good and well written to the point of being entertaining, which for a book about race engine calculations says a lot.

Which I bought at a Ferrari Store at Malpensa airport a few years ago. They had quite a load of them. I was curious and as it was the only affordable souvenir there ;-)