Ford And McRae by Derick Allsop

Unlike sports such as football and Formula One, which enjoy extensive media coverage, rally driving is somewhat of a dark horse to the general public. The only real ways to find out what really goes on is to be actively involved, read every motoring newspaper and magazine, or read the occasional book that appears. One can only imagine, therefore, that new books are gratefully received by those of us keen to find out more about this exciting sport.

Colin McRae provides the foreword for this book, which chronicles the development of the Ford Focus World Rally Car right from its conception. For those involved in sport at any level, it is a somewhat comforting read - big budgets and the top names do not equal an easy ride, as some might expect, and this book tells the truth!! For example, the picture of the car being towed by a Scorpio to test the suspension because the gearbox was holding up development will bring a smirk to many a privateer's face! But that's how it was and it's good to see Ford showing it so. It makes the reader enjoy it all even more!

As you'd expect in a fully authorised book, the photography is good and there are, no doubt, many shots in there that wouldn't be apparent in an unauthorised publication. The text itself is informative and entertaining and leaves you feeling that you've gained something from reading the book.

My only real criticism is that the book is fairly pricey for a 160 page hardback, at £14.99 RRP, but that's what you get with a product that isn't as mass market as some other sport's products, I suppose. I knew how many pages it was when I bought it, so it certainly didn't put me off!

Ford And McRae by Derick Allsop is published by Haynes
ISBN number - 1 85960 656 3.

Copyright Elton Murphy, December 2001