Ricardo Zonta

Ricardo Zonta

Brazilian racing driver
Date of Birth: 23.03.1976
Country: Brazil

Content:
  1. Early Life and Career
  2. Journey through Formula Series
  3. Championship Success
  4. Formula 1 Debut
  5. Continued Racing Career
  6. Later Career

Early Life and Career

Ricardo Zonta, a Brazilian racing driver, was born in Curitiba, Brazil. His racing journey began in 1987 with karting, where he immediately tasted success by winning his first race. By 1991, he had secured the championship title. After a fourth-place finish in the São Paulo Karting Championship in 1992, Zonta transitioned to open-wheel racing.

Journey through Formula Series

In 1993, Zonta competed in Formula Chevrolet Brazil, finishing sixth. He then placed fifth in Formula 3 Brazil in 1994. The following year, he claimed both the Brazilian and South American championships.

Venturing to Europe in 1996, Zonta joined Draco Racing in Formula 3000, winning two races and finishing fourth overall. He also became the first Brazilian to participate in the International Touring Cars Championship with Mercedes.

Championship Success

1997 marked a significant year for Zonta. He secured the Formula 3000 championship title with three race victories. His achievements earned him the Golden Helmet award, recognizing him as the best international driver.

Jordan Grand Prix signed Zonta as a test driver, and in 1998, he secured a contract with McLaren's boss, Ron Dennis. While testing with McLaren, Zonta triumphed in the FIA GT Championship (GT1 class) and received another Golden Helmet for his outstanding global performance.

Formula 1 Debut

In October 1998, Zonta signed with B.A.R. as a full-time driver for the 1999 Formula 1 season. He partnered with 1997 champion Jacques Villeneuve.

Despite a promising start, Zonta's season was marred by injuries and accidents. A leg injury during practice for the Brazilian Grand Prix sidelined him for three races. A subsequent crash in Belgium left him scoreless for the season.

Continued Racing Career

Zonta remained with B.A.R. in 2000, scoring his first Formula 1 point in the Australian Grand Prix. A suspension failure during testing at Silverstone led to another serious accident. Nonetheless, he finished the season with points in Italy and the United States, placing 14th overall.

After being replaced by Olivier Panis at B.A.R. in 2001, Zonta became Jordan's third driver. He substituted for the injured Heinz-Harald Frentzen in Canada and following Frentzen's dismissal in Germany.

Zonta focused on the Telefonica World Series in 2002, emerging as the champion. In 2003, he joined Toyota as a test driver, a role he held until 2005. In 2004, he raced for Toyota in four Grand Prix events and finished 13th in his home race at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

Later Career

Zonta remained with Toyota as a test driver in 2005 and replaced Ralph Schumacher at the United States Grand Prix, where he retired due to tire concerns.

In 2006, he continued as Toyota's test driver. The following year, he joined Renault as a test driver while also participating in Stock Car Brasil.

Zonta embarked on a sports car racing career with Peugeot Sport in 2008, competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. He also raced in the American Grand Am series and Stock Car Brazil.

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