Who Works In F1: 25 years in the making
Who Works in... | 8.3.14 | Who Works in Motorsports
Who whorks in
25 years ago two spectators attended the French Grand Prix as
guests of petroleum giant Elf having travelled by private jet from Le Bourget
airport, north of Paris. It was the first time they had met.
A quarter of a century later and the two are still together. But more
significantly for journalists, the fruit of their professional collaboration -
the immensely useful Who Works In Formula 1 - retains a key role across the
motor sport industry.
Only they are qualified to comment on their personal relationship. But in professional terms theirs was a marriage made in media heaven.
François-Michel Grégoire had worked closely with the AGS Formula 1 team's sponsorship department, as well as with Lotus and Williams, while his partner was already well versed in the intricacies of publishing and graphic design.
They shared a passion for mechanised sport, so why not turn that hobby into work? The first challenge was earning trust in the unique and sometimes insular world of Formula 1. Those not considered paddock insiders could easily find themselves spurned. Grégoire's F1 links helped in that regard, as did a carefully conceived and diligent plan of attack. Their presence soon became familiar at motor racing circuits around the world, where the pair could be found ‘networking' long before it was a buzzword. Theirs was a simple concept: create a new and unique resource available at the start of each F1 season and aimed at the ever-increasing number of media following a sport whose sphere of influence encapsulates not just Europe but the entire world.
This season the resulting Who Works In Formula 1 series celebrates its 25th year of publication. Such longevity alone should set the book apart in a world where even the sport's superstars come and go at an astonishing rate.
The key to its success? A fresh approach that brings together all of the information a hard-working journalist could possibly require, be it setting off on the trail of their next big story to uncover the personality behind the interviewee or tracking down those who ensure grand prix racing's high-speed merry-go-round continues to turn.
Their second challenge is in researching, compiling and organising the many thousands of pieces of useful information, before editing and arranging them into a format that is easy to use in an intellectual and physical sense.
Although it has undoubtedly grown over the years, the unique resource that is Who Works In Formula 1 remains small enough to slip into hand luggage or a laptop case. Indeed, it's the first thing many users search for after their passport.
The F1 volume was soon followed by other specialist titles covering the World Rally Championship, CART/IndyCar racing and NASCAR. Grégoire and his friend have since incorporated those multiple versions into a single sister publication, Who Works in Motorsport, which since its introduction in 2005 has enjoyed similar acclaim. Such has been its success that both titles are now considered collector's items as well as practical resources for working journalists. They are prized for their unique format and insight into an otherwise secretive, seemingly inaccessible world.
That enthusiasm is summed up in the high number of returning Who Works In customers and supporters. Now available in over 70 countries, they continue to attract premium backers such as TAG Heuer, Mumm and Total, many of whom have maintained their associations for over 20 years. Who Works In's appeal has been enhanced by the internet thanks to the network of relationships so carefully constructed by its authors subsequently translating into a successful exploitation of the ‘global village' concept.
The Who Works In F1 2014, 25th Anniversary edition is available from mid-March. With this season bringing major changes for the sport, the fully updated publication will help you to contact the relevant people or company. For more information please visit www.whoworksin.com, email info@whoworksin.com or call +44 20 7193 0686.
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The design formulas F1
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