Private, mysterious and some say sinister, 79 year-old Bernie Ecclestone criss-crosses the globe in his private jet mixing with celebrities, statesmen and sporting heroes. Ecclestone's success has not just been to create a multi-billion pound global business but to resist repeated attempts to snatch the glittering prize from his control.

Ecclestone has never before revealed how he graduated from selling second-hand cars in London's notorious Warren Street to become the major player he is today. He has finally decided to reveal his secrets: the deals, the marriages, the disasters and the successes on race tracks, in Downing Street, in casinos, on yachts and in the air. Surprisingly, he is telling his life's story to Tom Bower, described by Ecclestone as 'The Undertaker' - the man who buries reputations - and has given him access to all his friends and enemies. All have been told by Ecclestone, 'Tell him the truth, good or bad.'

The result is a unique story of a simple, driven man who unlike shady tycoons offers an intriguing insight into the sport, business and, above all, the human spirit.

'I'll accept your facilities,' Bower told Ecclestone, 'but if I find evidence of wrongdoing or hear any criticism, it will all be published.' After a brief moment, Ecclestone replied, 'Tom, I'm no angel.'