The Playboy and the Rat - the Life Stories of James Hunt and Niki Lauda - Softcover

James Hunt and Niki Lauda defined an era in Formula 1 in the 70s. Their battle for the 1976 World Championship is still regarded as one of the most exciting and dramatic in the sport's history. This is the story of that season and much more. With Lauda’s return from life-threatening injuries the stuff of legend and Hunt’s last gasp title success bringing a whole new generation of followers previously immune to the sport, the Playboy and the Rat brings that story to life once more. After that remarkable season, their careers, and their lives, went in almost polar opposite directions, with Lauda becoming the respected elder statesman of the sport. Hunt died at an unseemly age after a life that typified the image of a racing driver.

Roy Calley works for BBC Sport and has been involved in F1 in one form or another since the mid 70s. His all-time sporting hero was James Hunt, ever since seeing him race in 1976. Calley is also a massive fan of Blackpool Football Club and writes about the club. He also goes to games as much as his busy Formula One schedule allows.