Marco Apicella Italian racing driver Date of Birth: 07.10.1965 Country: Italy

1. Early Career and Formula 3
2. Formula 3000 Stint
3. Formula 1 Debut
4. Jordan Formula 1 Opportunity
5. Return to Formula 3000 and Beyond
6. 24 Hours of Le Mans Legacy
7. Later Career

Early Career and Formula 3

Marco Apicella is an Italian racing driver who made his mark as a Formula 3000 champion in Japan. His career began in karting, where he excelled before transitioning to the Italian Formula 3 championship with Coperchini in 1984.

In his debut season, Apicella finished seventh with 17 points. The following year, he triumphed in two races and secured fourth place in the championship standings, earning him a seat alongside Nicola Larini at Enzo Coloni in 1987.

While unable to surpass his teammate, Apicella made his presence felt by finishing as runner-up to Larini, solidifying his position within the Formula 3 circuit.

Formula 3000 Stint

In 1988, Apicella ventured into Formula 3000 with First, where he initially struggled to adapt to the new equipment, scoring only one point finish in fifth place. However, he gained valuable experience and participated in testing sessions for the Minardi Formula 1 team.

The following season brought improvement, as he secured four podium finishes and placed fourth in the championship. His consistent performance hinted at future success, but 1990 proved to be a setback. Apicella's three podiums ultimately earned him fifth place, tying with Gianni Morbidelli.

Undeterred, he continued to pursue Formula 1 opportunities, testing for Minardi and Modena before heading to Japan to test Bridgestone racing tires.

Formula 1 Debut

In 1991, Apicella joined Paul Stewart Racing in Formula 3000, but results remained elusive. He managed only two podium finishes, placing fifth overall. Frustrated with his performance, Stewart dismissed Apicella, leaving him without a Formula 3000 seat.

With his options dwindling, Apicella set his sights on the Japanese Formula 3000 league, where he spent two years driving for Dome, winning one race in each season.

Jordan Formula 1 Opportunity

Despite not winning a championship, Apicella's previous performances caught the attention of Eddie Jordan, who offered him a one-off contract for the 1993 Italian Grand Prix.

As Jordan was struggling with its Yamaha engine, Apicella's task was daunting. He qualified in 23rd position, half a second behind his teammate Rubens Barrichello.

In the chaotic start of the race, Apicella's race ended prematurely. A series of collisions involving Senna, Hill, Warwick, Suzuki, and Letho left both Jordans stranded.

Return to Formula 3000 and Beyond

Despite his Formula 1 disappointment, Apicella returned to the Japanese Formula 3000 championship and claimed the title in 1994. He also competed in other races, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

In 2006, Apicella made his first appearance on the podium in the Japanese Touring Car Championship and went on to win his first race.

24 Hours of Le Mans Legacy

Apicella participated in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans several times, starting in 1995 with Toyota Supra GT LM. Mechanical issues plagued his debut, but the team managed to finish 14th.

Unfortunately, his subsequent appearances in 1999, 2006, 2007, and 2009 ended in disappointment.

Later Career

After 1997, Apicella returned to Italy for the national Formula 3000 championship in 1999, where he struggled to find consistent success. He also participated in a round of the international Formula 3000 championship at Spa but failed to qualify.

In 2000, he returned to Japan to compete in the touring car championship, where he found success with a Lamborghini Murcielago in the GT300 class.