Nicola Larini

Interesting facts

In 1992 he was Ferrari's active-suspension development test driver, while simultaneously winning the Italian Touring Car Championship. At the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix at Imola he finished second - his only podium - but the achievement was completely overshadowed by the tragedy of that weekend, the deaths of Roland Ratzenberger and Ayrton Senna. (Larini did not substitute for Senna - Senna was racing for Williams, and Larini had already been Ferrari's driver since the start of that season.) His overall F1 career remained modest: across 1987-1997 he scored just seven championship points in total, reflecting years spent in uncompetitive machinery. His sole, darkly-tinged podium finish remains permanently linked to one of Formula One's most tragic weekends. Nicola Larini made his Formula 1 debut in 1987 and raced until 1997, 8 seasons in total as an Italian driver. He scored a total of 7 championship points over his career.