Biography
Nannini was born in Siena. He made his Formula One debut in 1986 for the Minardi team, alongside compatriot Andrea de Cesaris. He remained with Minardi for 1987, this time with Spaniard Adrián Campos. Although he scored no points in these two seasons and retired from most races due to his car’s unreliability, his performances were sufficiently impressive to earn him a seat with the more competitive Benetton team for 1988.
Nannini immediately distinguished himself at Benetton, qualifying fourth for his second race in the team, and finishing 3rd at Silverstone. In the 1989 Japanese Grand Prix he lay 3rd behind the two McLaren cars of Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost when they collided, giving Nannini the lead. Senna rejoined after being push-started, and pitted to replace his front wing, rejoining behind Nannini. Nannini was passed by Senna, who went on to cross the finish line first, but the Brazilian was disqualified for missing the chicane following his collision with Prost, handing Nannini what proved to be his only Formula 1 win.
One week after the 1990 Spanish Grand Prix he was involved in a helicopter crash in Siena in which his right forearm was severed. The injury healed thanks to successful microsurgery but it ended his Formula One career. He had participated in 78 Formula One grands prix. He won 1 race, achieved 9 podiums, and scored a total of 65 championship points.
Despite only regaining partial use of his right hand, Nannini was able to carve out a successful career in touring car racing with Alfa Romeo in the 1990s.
Nannini competed for Mercedes in the 1997 FIA GT Championship finishing 6th overall before hanging up his helmet. He now runs a chain of upmarket cafes bearing his name, with branches as far flung as Indonesia.
2007 saw Sandro Nannini’s return to the track after a decade in retirement. He agreed to take part in the short-lived Grand Prix Masters Championship for Formula One veterans, in the first time he has raced a powerful single seater since his F1 career ended in 1990, alongside drivers including his former Benetton team mate Johnny Herbert.
He is member of the Italy-USA Foundation.
Read more about this topic: Alessandro Nannini
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