Great Read: F1's dirty politics – Bernie vs Balestre

F1's backroom battles | View in browser FROM OUR ARCHIVE, SEPTEMBER 2009 | MAURICE HAMILTON Great Read: F1's Dirty Politics – Bernie vs Balestre, FOCA vs FISA Carlos Reutemann took one of his greatest Grand Prix victories on this day at Kyalami – but it wasn't strictly an F1 race. In the midst of the FISA/FOCA war, the latter group – lead by Bernie Ecclestone – put on its own event in South Africa. It was the high point in one of F1's most notorious political battles It is early afternoon on Saturday November 1, 1980. A call is placed to the Brabham headquarters in Chessington, Surrey. The conversation goes something like this: "'Allo?" "Ah, hello. Could I speak to Mr Ecclestone please?" "He's not 'ere. Who wants 'im?" READ MORE PHOTO: GRAND PRIX PHOTO ADVERTISEMENT Meet living legends at Reis Race Retro! Join the iconic Rauno Aaltonen, Ari Vatanen, John Watson, Father & Son Rally Champs David and Tom Llewellin, Ian 'Fluxi' Flux, and Mike Wilds. Plus, don't miss captivating interviews and book signings by authors Jeremy Walton and Damien Smith. Get ready for a weekend filled with stories, insights, and motorsport greatness! Use code MOTORSPORTEMAIL to save £2 on your tickets ORDER NOW FORMULA 1 | MOTOR SPORT 2024 Alpine F1 car launch: A524 revealed with 'aggressive approach'     Alpine has launched its 2024 F1 car, in what it describes as a "front to back" redesign with a bold approach. See images of what it says is the "real car" plus driver line-up and key personnel info READ MORE Share this newsletter: Stay up to date  Update your preferences to select the content you wish to receive.   UPDATE NOW  Unsubscribe | Privacy Policy. Motor Sport magazine, 18-20 Rosemont Road, London, NW3 6NE Company no. 05471049, Vat no. 871 544 60