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<b>’A TIME WHEN SEX WAS SAFE AND DRIVING DANGEROUS’</b> The 1970's F1 rivalry between drivers James Hunt and Niki Lauda is retold in the movie 'Rush'. <i>Image: YouTube</i>
The classic Formula 1 1970's rivalry between drivers James Hunt and Niki Lauda has been retold in a Hollywood movie titled Rush.
The film, directed by Ron Howard, will hit screens later in 2013. It tells the story of the 1976 Formula 1 season during which Hunt claimed the World title from Lauda by just one point after a controversial campaign.
The season is also infamous for the near life-ending crash suffered by Lauda after his Ferrari erupted into a fireball at the Nurburgring, scarring his features for ever.
‘THRILL OF THE RACE’
Lauda returned to the cockpit after missing just two races but narrowly missed out on retaining his title. Hunt is played by Australian actor Chris Hemsworth while actor Daniel Bruhl plays Lauda.
Howard commented: “Lauda and Hunt were rock stars of the race track: two absolute pros at the top of their game, in a time when sex was safe, driving was dangerous and all bets were off.
"They were also complicated, fascinating men and born rivals. 'Rush' will be as much about that personal rivalry as it will be about the thrill of the race."
HORRIFIC CRASH
On the second lap of the 1976 German GP Lauda swerved his Ferrari off the track, hit an embankment and rolled back into the path of Brett Lunger's Ford.
Lauda's Ferrari burst into flames and he was trapped in the wreckage. Drivers were able to pull Lauda from his car but not before he suffered severe burns to his head and inhaled hot toxic gases that damaged his lungs and blood.
Lauda suffered extensive scarring and since the accident has always worn a cap to cover the scars on his head.
With Lauda out of the contest, Ferrari boycotted the 1976 Austrian GP to protest what they saw as preferential treatment shown towards McLaren driver James Hunt at the Spanish and British GPs.
Watch the movie trailer here!
Stay with Wheels24 for the 2013 Formula 1 season – fresh reports every day.
The film, directed by Ron Howard, will hit screens later in 2013. It tells the story of the 1976 Formula 1 season during which Hunt claimed the World title from Lauda by just one point after a controversial campaign.
The season is also infamous for the near life-ending crash suffered by Lauda after his Ferrari erupted into a fireball at the Nurburgring, scarring his features for ever.
‘THRILL OF THE RACE’
Lauda returned to the cockpit after missing just two races but narrowly missed out on retaining his title. Hunt is played by Australian actor Chris Hemsworth while actor Daniel Bruhl plays Lauda.
Howard commented: “Lauda and Hunt were rock stars of the race track: two absolute pros at the top of their game, in a time when sex was safe, driving was dangerous and all bets were off.
"They were also complicated, fascinating men and born rivals. 'Rush' will be as much about that personal rivalry as it will be about the thrill of the race."
HORRIFIC CRASH
On the second lap of the 1976 German GP Lauda swerved his Ferrari off the track, hit an embankment and rolled back into the path of Brett Lunger's Ford.
Lauda's Ferrari burst into flames and he was trapped in the wreckage. Drivers were able to pull Lauda from his car but not before he suffered severe burns to his head and inhaled hot toxic gases that damaged his lungs and blood.
Lauda suffered extensive scarring and since the accident has always worn a cap to cover the scars on his head.
With Lauda out of the contest, Ferrari boycotted the 1976 Austrian GP to protest what they saw as preferential treatment shown towards McLaren driver James Hunt at the Spanish and British GPs.
Watch the movie trailer here!
Stay with Wheels24 for the 2013 Formula 1 season – fresh reports every day.
