The physiology and pathology of formula one Grand Prix motor racing.

INTRODUCTION In 1978, Professor Watkins was appointed as Surgical Consultant to the Formula One Constructors Association, the body representing Grand Prix racing in the World Championship Formula One races of the Federation du Sport de L’automobile (FIA), the World Governing body for International Motor Sport. His presence was required at all Grand Prix events from June 1978 until November 2004, a total of 423 races. His role was to raise the standards of medical response at the circuits and to provide specialist medical advice in the case of injury. In May 1994, after a disastrous weekend at Imola, Italy, in which two drivers were killed, the President of the FIA, Max Mosley, appointed Professor Watkins to chair a commission of experts to examine all aspects of car construction, circuit design, and safety features, with the ultimate goal of zero mortality in Formula One Grand Prix Racing. Much research emanated from this important decision. Research extended into other forms of motor racing and led to the formation of the Institute of Motor Sport Safety in 2004, which encompasses now all Open Cockpit car racing, Closed car racing (Rally, Saloon, Grand Touring) and recently Gokart racing.