F1 big picture

Our series of dramatic photos continues with a colourful shot capturing the back of Jenson Button's Brawn car at the European Grand Prix.

The photographs are taken by Darren Heath, who over the last 20 years has carved a reputation as one of the best photographers working within the sport.

This is Darren's story behind his latest image:

"Powering out of the final turn of the Valencia street circuit Jenson Button is faced with a fluorescent coloured barrage of information somewhere within which hangs his pit board letting him know just exactly how much work he's got to do to catch the guys ahead.

In the Turkish Grand Prix F1 Big Picture piece, I wrote about using visual props to enhance an otherwise somewhat lacklustre setting - and the Valencia track is similar in a number of ways.

Winding its way around the America's Cup harbour, past a container port and through a rather barren hinterland, the Spanish venue is more of a challenge to shoot than one might initially have imagined. Especially given that the city itself is so attractive.

Using an aperture small enough to get a sharp image but wide enough so as not to negate the effect of the heat haze, I tilted the camera slightly to add drama and a more aggressive attitude to the composition.

Forming an almost perfect arc over the Brawn car the teams' driver information boards provide a somewhat more attractive background than the derelict buildings and rusting containers on offer elsewhere around the circuit!"

Camera: Canon EOS1Ds Mark3. Lens: 600mm + 1.4x converter. Exposure: 500th sec @ f8

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