Riccardo Patrese

Riccardo Patrese (born April 17 1954) in Padua, Italy was a Formula One racing driver from 1977 until 1993.

Williams

With the help of Brabham owner Bernie Ecclestone, Patrese was drafted in at Williams for the season finale in Australia.

Related Topics:
Bernie Ecclestone - Williams - Australia

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Patrese impressed the Williams management enough that he was signed for the 1988 season to replace Nelson Piquet. Five seasons at Williams brought Patrese his most successful time in the sport, but in 1988 the team were struggling with Judd engines and an uncompetitive car. Sixteen races delivered only eight points and at the end of the season the team switched to Renault engines. 1989 saw the arrival of Thierry Boutsen to Williams and for the first time in six years Patrese was once more driving for a team capable of winning races. His first visit to the top step of the podium in seven years came at the 1990 San Marino Grand Prix and a competitive season saw Patrese finish seventh in the drivers championship.

Related Topics:
1988 - Nelson Piquet - Judd - Renault - 1989 - Thierry Boutsen - 1990 - San Marino Grand Prix

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In 1991 Nigel Mansell returned to Williams and the team moved up from occasional winners to genuine contenders. Two race wins for Riccardo Patrese in Mexico and Portugal gave him his most competitive season in Formula One and a respectable third place behind title protagonists Ayrton Senna and teammate Nigel Mansell.

Related Topics:
1991 - Mexico - Portugal - Ayrton Senna

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