Riccardo Patrese of Italy is an outstanding Formula One driver who took part in 256 F1 races. He is known for his extensive career in F1 and scored World Championship points over a longer period of time than any other driver before him. A remarkable Formula One driver, Riccardo Patrese also had a lengthy winning record of eleven seasons between 1982 and 1992. Certainly a name to be remembered, Riccardo Patrese remains a great figure in Formula One racing.
Riccardo Patrese was born on 17 April 1954 in Padua of Italy. From a young age he was an avid sportsman and thoroughly enjoyed racing. As a youngster he would spend the summer months go-karting. He won several karting championships. Following his 1974 Karting Championship win, Patrese was offered a position in Formula Italia by Nettuno Racing. His career in racing advanced from there into Formula 3 as of April 1976. He quickly moved to Formula 2 and debuted as a Formula One Driver in May 1977. Riccardo Patrese began his F1 racing career with the Shado Grand Prix team. At his first race in Monaco he came in at 9th place, impressing all. By the end of the year he gained his first ever World Championship point.
Certain members of the Shadow team decided to break-away and form the Arrows team. Patrese went with them. The Arrows along with Patrese debuted at Silverstone in 1978. The new team quickly established itself at the South African Grand Prix where Patrese led for about 36 laps before car trouble struck. Many criticized Riccardo Patrese’s arrogant and aggressive driving style. Patrese was blamed for the death of F1 driver Ronnie Peterson in the 1978 race at Monza. Riccardo Patrese and Gianni Restelli were later charged with manslaughter, however, he was later cleared of blame.
In the year 1982 Riccardo Patrese began racing for the Brabham team. That year he met with great success and a marvelous win. He later changed to the Alfa Romeo team between 1984 and 1985 and then back to Brabham between 1986 and 1987. Then in 1988 Patrese went to Williams. Riccardo Patrese gained victory once again in San Marino Grand Prix in 1990. Once again 1991 saw numerous successes for Patrese. Riccardo Patrese ended his career in F1 Grand Prix racing for Bennetton alongside Michael Schumacher in 1993.
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