Gianni Morbidelli’s racing career is perhaps one of the most diverse of any driver of the modern era.
A Formula 3000 frontrunner the Italian doubled up as Ferrari test driver and after driving for Minardi in 1990 he got a shot with the Scuderia when Alain Prost was fired at the end of 1991. Unfortunately his only race, in Australia, was held in monsoon conditions and red-flagged after 14 laps. 1992 saw him back with Minardi, where he performed as well as the car would permit.
1995 saw Morbidelli alongside Taki Inoue at Arrows, where he achieved a career best with third at the Australian Grand Prix proving both his ability and endurance.
A better chance with Sauber came in 1997 when he replaced Nicola Larini, but Johnny Herbert more than had the measure of him. The next move was to the British Touring Car Championship with Volvo, where he struggled to get to grips with the British circuits and compete with the tin-top specialists, while team-mate Rickard Rydell became champion.