Ricardo Luiz Zonta, born March 23, 1976, in Curitiba, Brazil, established his professional racing career through consistent performance in junior formulae before moving into the upper echelons of international motorsport. His trajectory spans from early success in karting championships to high-profile roles within Formula One and endurance racing circuits throughout the late 1990s and 2000s.
Early Career and Progression
Zonta began karting in 1987, winning his first race shortly after starting. By 1991, he secured the Curitiba Karting Championship title. After progressing to single-seaters in 1993, he placed sixth in the Brazilian Formula Chevrolet Championship. Following a fifth-place finish in the 1994 Brazilian Formula Three Championship, he won both the Brazilian and South American Formula Three titles in the subsequent year.
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Relocating to Europe in 1996, Zonta joined Draco Racing for the International Formula 3000 Championship, winning two races and placing fourth overall. That same year, he became the first Brazilian driver to compete in International Touring Cars with Mercedes. In 1997, he secured three race victories and the Formula 3000 championship, earning the Golden Helmet award for best international driver. He also won the FIA GT Championship in the GT1 class.
Formula One Involvement
Zonta signed as a test driver for the Jordan team before moving to a race seat at BAR for the 1999 season alongside Jacques Villeneuve. His tenure included multiple high-speed accidents, including a foot injury at the Brazilian Grand Prix and a crash at Spa-Francorchamps. In 2000, he finished 14th in the championship. He later served as a test driver for Toyota and Renault, while also winning the Telefónica World Series in 2002.
Endurance and Domestic Racing
In 2008, Zonta competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans for Peugeot Sport, driving the No. 9 car alongside Franck Montagny and Christian Klien. He also participated in the Grand Am Championship with Krohn Racing. Currently, he competes in the Brazilian Stock Car Pro Series, driving the No. 10 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross for RCM Motorsport, where he serves as both owner and driver.
Fast facts
- Born: 23 March 1976, Curitiba, Brazil
- Primary Occupation: Racing automobile driver
- 1997 Formula 3000 Champion
- 1997 FIA GT Championship GT1 class winner
- Current team: RCM Motorsport
- Current series: Brazilian Stock Car Pro Series
Questions readers ask
What major Formula One teams did Zonta test for?
Zonta served as a test driver for the Jordan, McLaren, Toyota, and Renault Formula One teams.
Which team does Ricardo Zonta currently drive for?
He currently competes in the Brazilian Stock Car Pro Series for RCM Motorsport.
Achievements
- Competed at 24 Hours of Le Mans
- Discipline: auto racing
