600 GP's in photos: Ercole Colombo
Today was a very special day for Ercole Colombo: the most experienced photographer in Formula 1 celebrated his 600th Grand Prix. At the Ferrari motorhome Ercole was celebrated with a big cake and later on at the box with a photo with the drivers and the team and a board with today’s result for him. We met Ercole Colombo and asked him several questions.
When I was 40 years old in 1970 at Monza, when what was my hobby, photography, turned into my profession. I think the secret is to have passion for your own work.
How did that passion start?Since I’ve been a child I was a big motorsport fan. I grew up close to the Monza circuit and I followed my dad who took me to watch the GPs when Ascari and Fangio were racing. Then in 1961 my passion for racing let me enter the stage and I became a stretcher-bearer with the race stewards. I always tried to go to the races, I’ve been to Monaco, to France, to Germany and many other tracks while my passion for racing and photography were growing.
Not every form of photography is the same. Especially in Formula 1 you need to be extremely fast and you need to seize the moment when the cars pass in front of your lens.Yes you really also need a good equipment, extremely short shutter times and mini telephoto lenses. And then you need lots of experience and passion. It’s difficult today because due to safety reasons we have to stand further back these days, so you need to concentrate more.
Were you ever in a dangerous situation?Yes I remember that Lauda once had an accident at the Nürburgring and he drove into a barrier close to where I was standing. I was shaking a little then.
What was the most exciting moment in your career?Definitely when I was handed over by Enzo Ferrari the 'Dino Ferrari' prize. That was in the year 1979. It was a great honour for me and the best thing to happen to a sports photographer.
You knew Enzo Ferrari: what kind of relationship did you have with him?I was too young when I started supporting the Scuderia Ferrari, but he was my hero, the founder of the team I always supported. I remember a press conference where Ferrari had every answer ready. Then I got to know him better and after the press conferences he usually started chatting. I went to his office a couple of times and the best thing was that he always knew everything, although he was always at home during the races” He said: ‘You are telling it this way, but I know it in a different way…
And your relationship with today’s Scuderia Ferrari?It’s a collaboration that has been going on for many years and I’m very happy about it.
