Valentino Rossi sits at the centre of his own whirlwind. Success on the track has been matched with a colourful character, universal appeal in the world of sport and a higher profile than perhaps any other motorcycle racer in the history of Grand Prix. Rather than shying from the spotlight or tiring from the attention the Italian forged a persona; a means to transmit the enjoyment of racing and motorcycling that underpins his longevity and continuing influence.
‘The Doctor’ first appeared in a bevy of yellow, bright letters, a ‘46’ and some cartoon logos. The post-race celebrations, liveries, japes and antics through the course of nine world championship wins helped cement Rossi’s professional image as one of fun as much as competitive ruthlessness. This latest episode – ‘The Doctor’ – looks closer at the man and his impact and influence through two decades of MotoGP and some of most memorable moments in modern day Grand Prix. The Tavullia inner circle is again the rich source of information and perspective as we try to go behind the theatricalities of ‘The Doctor’.
1- Life On The Limit is an action-packed, cinematic documentary that channels the speed, excitement and abject danger inherent in this most glamorous of sports. The film charts Formula One’s journey from its comparatively humble beginnings in post-war Britain, through to the game-changing events of the 1976 season recently examined in the smash hit Rush, as well as the untimely death of F1 superstar Ayrton Senna. In so doing, 1 – Life On The Limit showcases a world where drivers were akin to rock stars and where safety definitely wasn’t always put first.
Utilising rare archive footage and gathering the largest and most comprehensive selection of Formula One interviews ever collected, the film examines a sport that, even in its Golden Age, was stealing lives at a terrifying rate. With comment from Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton, Michael Schumacher, Bernie Ecclestone and Niki Lauda to name but a few, 1 – Life On The Limit is not only an irresistible companion piece to the superb Rush but also a riveting, essential documentary in its own right.