1987 Williams FW11B

In my time as a racing driver I have had the opportunity of driving many types of racing car. I have travelled the world in my quest to remain involved in motor racing, a sport I feel very passionate about. I have driven in some great races too, and at some great venues, including Silverstone, Monza, Monaco, and not forgetting Indianapolis for the legendary 500.

For my greatest racecar I’m looking at Formula One, the pinnacle of the sport; in Grand Prix racing I competed and drove for many teams including Lotus, AGS, Euro Brun, Benetton, Jordan, Minardi, Andrea Moda, and Forti. The most emotional time was in Suzuka for the 1990 Japanese GP. I was driving for Benetton and finished 2nd to my great friend, and fellow Brazilian, Nelson Piquet. It is fair to say that apart from Lotus, Benetton, and Jordan, my time was spent with small teams that were more accustomed to the back of the grid.  Motor racing is all about being in the right place at the right time; Frank Williams gave me a chance of test driving what would become Nelson’s World Championship-winning car—the 1987 Williams FW11B. The car was at the pinnacle of Formula One technology, which was probably the first time I had been given an opportunity to drive a car of such character. I drove it at Zeltweg, in Austria, for a three-day test session. Frank (Williams) said to me, “You’ve got a great opportunity to drive one of the last great racing cars in motor racing history. From next year they’re going to screw up the rules and cars like this will be banned.” It was an amazing experience and a truly amazing car. Nelson was a great friend of mine but, when I drove with him, he wasn’t such a great teammate.