Blast from the Past ... Emerson Fittipaldi

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Written by Kate Walker

Tuesday, 26 January 2010 08:30

Some countries have more than their fair share of racing talent.

I don't include Western European countries in that assessment – circuit racing as we know it was so Euro-centric in its early years that it's only logical that the stats are filled with French, British, Italian, and German names. Once you begin to look outside Europe, it is Brazil that really stands out.

The South American country is not only responsible for current drivers Rubens Barrichello and Felipe Massa, but champion Nelson Piquet Sr. and undoubted legends Ayrton Senna and Emerson Fittipaldi, among many others. Emerson Fittipaldi is both legendary driver and head of a racing dynasty: his brother Wilson also raced as a Formula 1 driver in the 1970s before starting the Fittipaldi Automotive race team, while his nephew Christian drove for both Arrows and Minardi before relocating over the pond to find great success in NASCAR.

Emerson Fittipaldi was born in Sao Paolo in 1946, the son of a motorsport journalist. His talent behind the wheel was encouraged by his parents, both of whom had raced production cars. In his early teens he began racing motorbikes, but moved to hydrofoils at the age of 16. After his brother Wilson flipped in a hydrofoil, the two decided to make the switch to karts, a not uncommon entry route to single-seater racing.

At the age of 21, and his second season of single-seater racing, Emerson won Brazil's Formula Vee championship. He used the victory as a launchpad into European racing, driving in both Formula Ford and Formula 3. The Brazilian's Grand Prix debut was made in 1970, when he took to the grid for Lotus. Two months after his first race, teammate Jochen Rindt was killed at Monza and Fittipaldi found himself in the role of lead driver. It was a role well-suited to him, and he won his fourth Grand Prix, at Watkins Glen. Check out the clip below.

In 1972, Fittipaldi was given the best present a Formula 1 driver could hope to receive – an unstoppable car, the legendary Lotus 72D. Watch it in action below. The Brazilian won the 1972 World Driver's Championship, taking the youngest champion crown from Jim Clark in the process. In 1973 Fittipaldi struggled with the 72E that Lotus switched to mid-championship, but he was still able to help bring home the manufacturer's trophy. The following season saw a move to McLaren, where the Brazilian won his second championship. After two years with the team he made the questionable move to his brother's racing outfit, a decision which put the brakes on his F1 career.

After leaving Formula 1, Fittipaldi spent four years out of racing. 1984 saw him make the move to CART, where he was twice winner of the Indy 500. The Brazilian's achievements have led to world-wide acclaim, and were affirmed with his induction into the US Motorsport Hall of Fame. Kate Walker for Girlracer Magazine www.girlracer.co.uk