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Nicola LariniItalian racing driver
Date of Birth: 19.03.1946
Country:  Italy |
Content:
- Nicola Larini: A Renowned Racing Legend
- Extended Hiatus in Formula Racing
- Formula 1 Struggles
- Ligier F1 and Modena F1
- Ferrari F1 Test Driver
- Sauber F1 and Touring Car Success
- Return to Italian Touring and Retirement
Nicola Larini: A Renowned Racing Legend
Early Career in Formula RacingNicola Larini, a renowned Italian racing driver, began his career in formula racing. After several years in junior series, he made his debut in the national Formula 3 Championship in 1984. He quickly adapted to the new machinery, claiming the championship title in 1986.
Extended Hiatus in Formula Racing
Larini's next career step proved lackluster. He struggled to secure a regular spot in any championship, sporadically participating in various races. During this time, he also tried his hand at touring car competitions, performing well in several rounds of the local Italian championship.
Formula 1 Struggles
In 1988, Larini's fortunes changed when he signed with Osella F1 as a race driver. However, his two seasons with the Turin-based team were plagued by disappointment. He failed to qualify 13 times and only finished four races (with a best result of 6th in Monaco in 1988).
Ligier F1 and Modena F1
In 1990, Larini moved to the French team Ligier F1. He enjoyed a more stable season, consistently finishing within the top ten, but failed to score any points. In 1991, he joined the debuting Modena F1 team. Despite building a competitive car initially, the team struggled with funding and could not keep pace with development. Larini's best result that season was 7th in the US Grand Prix. The team closed down at the end of the season, and Larini's ambitions of competing with weaker teams in Formula 1 faded.
Ferrari F1 Test Driver
Despite the setback, Larini remained in Formula 1 as a test driver for Ferrari F1. He worked with the Maranello-based team until 1999, receiving sporadic opportunities to race in Formula 1 as a substitute for injured drivers. His most memorable performance came during the infamous "black weekend" at Imola in 1994, where he finished second.
Sauber F1 and Touring Car Success
In 1997, Larini had a brief stint as a race driver for Sauber F1, Ferrari's partner team.
Concurrently with his Formula 1 career, Larini had been competing regularly in touring car competitions since 1990. He dominated the Italian Touring Car Championship, winning the title in 1992. In 1993, he joined Alfa Romeo and moved to the German DTM Championship, where he won half of the races and claimed the championship. He also placed second in the single-event World Touring Car Cup that year. Larini's success continued in DTM, but he gradually fell into the midfield, securing occasional victories.
Return to Italian Touring and Retirement
After the DTM closed in 1996, Larini returned to Italian touring car racing. He competed in the series until 2009, experiencing its transformation into the European Touring Car Championship and eventually the World Touring Car Championship. Larini had his best years in the early 2000s, finishing among the top three several times with Nordauto.
After SEAT Sport withdrew from the WTCC, Larini's contract with RML Group was not renewed, ending his career in the world touring car championship. In recent years, he has made occasional appearances in minor regional championships throughout Europe.
