5 replies to this topic

[CSGPR]

Hi There

Now we have an ongoing Fittipaldi tread. So why not stay in the Fittipaldi corner.

I would like to know if someone could tell me where I can find a good photo of Merzario from his one off drive in the Copersucar at Monza back in 1975. The photo on Forix isn’t very good.

And is there anybody how knows why Wilson Fittipaldi came up with the idea regarding letting Merzario drive his car. Wilson had broken his arm in a practice accident at Austria. But why Merzario? (I know it may sound like I don’t like Little Art. But that’s not true as I rate him highly and in the Alfa Romeo 33 CS 12 he was the man to beat). What I mean is that Ingo Hoffman and Alex Ribero was on hand. If I recall it right Ingo Hoffman had already tested the Copersucar at Silverstone during the Summer. But correct me if I’m wrong Chico.

Can anybody help

Best Regards

Christian

[Chico Landi]

Christian,

By the time of the Italian GP (7th of september 1975), Wilson had already decided to back Ingo instead of Alex in 76, but none of them had any experience with the car. Ingo's first laps was at Silverstone, as you wrote, but on 28th of october that year.

According to the "AutoMotor Esporte" #1, Wilson invited Merzario because he wanted to hear the opinion of an experienced driver about the problems of the Copersucar. Therefore, no reason to call the complete unexperienced brazilians.

After the race (also according to AM Esporte), Wilson was a bit upset with Merzario because he pitted with 8 laps to go only to complain about engine problems. "If we could still solve the problem, his stop could be taken as an attempt to make the performance better. But at that point of the race, he could never stop because he was catching up Brett Lunger." It seems that Merzario later recognised his mistake and the mechanics said that "he threw away the possibility of our best finishing position in the championship."

[Rob Ryder]

;)

[CSGPR]

Chico and Rob Thanks for the Photo. and for the help in this matter.

But now it maks me wonder why, was it Alex Ribero who got the chance in late 1979 and not Ingo Hoffman who had put on a good show by finishing 7th. i Brazil in 1977. before the brothres decided to concentrete sole on Fittipaldis Car. Was it in fact Hoffman who had got enough or was it the team who wanted to give a new brazilian a chance in the car. Ribero had at the time more F1 experience due to his time at hesket in 1976 and March i 1977.

Christian

[ghinzani]

Chico and Rob Thanks for the Photo. and for the help in this matter.

But now it maks me wonder why, was it Alex Ribero who got the chance in late 1979 and not Ingo Hoffman who had put on a good show by finishing 7th. i Brazil in 1977. before the brothres decided to concentrete sole on Fittipaldis Car. Was it in fact Hoffman who had got enough or was it the team who wanted to give a new brazilian a chance in the car. Ribero had at the time more F1 experience due to his time at hesket in 1976 and March i 1977.

Christian

Alex outbid Ingo?

[CSGPR]

Alex outbid Ingo?

I don't know if that was the case. But Alex also drove the F5A at a non championship race at Imola befor F1 went to north america.

bast regards