When he graduated to Formula 1 in 1993 Rubens Barrichello looked a potential starr. By 1996 - still grieving the death of his mentor Ayrton Senna - Rubens seemed a 'might have been', struggling with an uncompetitive Jordan. However in 1999, driving for Jackie Stewart, he proved a mature performer and Ferrari beckoned. The Brazilian is a rare mix - tough enough to be Michael Schumacher's fastest-ever team-mate yet so gentle off-track that he is the most popular driver in the paddock. This is his rollercoaster story.

David Tremayne - long-time editor of Motoring News and motor racing correspondent for the Independent - is a well-respected author. His books for Haynes have included 'The Science of' titles on Speed, Safety and F1 Design, but he also excels at biography. He lives in London.