Andy Priaulx: The Autobiography

This is the first book written about Andy Priaulx. There have been 11 published about Lewis Hamilton so far, and counting. Priaulx is 34, Hamilton is 23. Priaulx is a three-time world motor racing champion, Hamilton has yet to win a world title.

The difference, of course, is that Hamilton competes in Formula One while Priaulx races in the less prestigious World Touring Car Championship. His inability to claim an F1 seat, despite a few test drives, clearly rankles with Priaulx – he was very quick, but lacked sponsorship. Backing his own talent, he sold his house in his native Guernsey to come to Silverstone, living on £20 a week in a caravan and earning the nickname Pikey Priaulx.

His account of the school of hard knocks – sometimes literally, when he was shoved off the track – as he fought his way up is refreshingly honest, if at times let down by slapdash writing. But there is nothing slapdash about his driving, and he deserves the recognition he so clearly craves.

Published by HarperSport in hardback, £18.99