‘Io tigro, tu tigri, egli tigra’

“I adore this job. I wouldn’t want to do anything else. When I have the steering wheel between my hands, I feel a complete, serene and satisfied man. Not even during the darkest of times, or when I was most harshly targeted by misfortune, have I lost my self-confidence or felt assailed by discomfort. I always tell myself that everything that comes onto you is part of the game, of my job, therefore, there is no reason to be dejected”.

From his father’s workshop’s courtyard to motorbikes. From motorbikes to the world championship with go-karts, in 1961. Brambilla raced once again on two wheels and, in the years 1968 and 1969, he was Italian champion with an Aermacchi. In 1963, his debut in Formula 3 and, in ’72, Brambilla won the Italian championship. In F1 in 1974, and, for two consecutive years, driving a March, sponsored by Beta utensils. During the ’77 and ’78 seasons, he raced with the Surtees team. He made agreements with Alfa Romeo in 1979 and 1980. At the end of 1980’s world championship, he retired from races, his decision was also affected by the wounds he suffered in the accident which occurred in Monza in ’78.

Vittorio Brambilla was a great driver and an excellent test driver. He was characterised by simplicity, courage and an incomparable likeability. Only one victory in Austria, in 1975, in the pouring rain. A man who would have made ‘miracles’ happen, should he have had a car to match his skills.