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Patrese sad to see record go
By Phil huff May 7 2008
As Rubens Barrichello prepares to become the most experienced Formula One driver in history, entering his 257th race on Sunday at the Turkish Grand Prix in Istanbul, the outgoing record holder, Riccardo Patrese, admits that he'd like to have kept hold of the record.
"I will feel some sadness, of course," said Patrese to autosport.com. "I was pleased to keep the record, but records are there to be beaten - and the only thing I can say is that I congratulate Rubens for doing it. He has had a long career and this record means that if you can survive in Formula One for so many years, then it means you did well - and everything you did was appreciated by the people who worked with you."

Riccardo, born in Italy in 1954, started 256 Grands Prix, his first being the Monaco Grand Prix of 1977. Driving for the Shadow team, Patrese secured a credible ninth place finish. He scored a point at the final race of the season, the Japanese Grand Prix. The following season he moved to Arrows, set up by Shadow team leader Jackie Oliver, where he stayed for four years, finishing as high as ninth in the championship.

A switch to Brabham for 1982 secured him a first win on the streets of Monte Carlo. A second win at the final race of 1983 provided some cheer, but it was his team mate Nelson Piquet who had taken the championship.

Changing to Alfa Romeo for 1984 and 1985 didn't bring results, with just one podium finish, and he returned to Brabham for the 1986 season. However, by now the Brabham team were falling behind, and Riccardo endured another couple of difficult years.

Riccardo Patrese 1987 Williams-Honda FW11At the end of 1987, Patrese got a chance to try some Honda powered machinery, deputising for the injured Nigel Mansell  at the Australian Grand Prix. The Williams-Honda FW11 was unfamiliar, as the Italian had no chance to practice, but still he remained on track and secured ninth place. He did enough to secure a Williams contract in 1988 and beyond, but the then Judd powered cars had fallen behind the leaders. When the Renault V10 appeared for 1989, things improved and Patrese finished third in the championship.

From 1990 to 1992, Patrese was a genuine contender, taking another 18 podiums and four race wins. He finished the 1992 championship in second place, behind his team mate Nigel Mansell.

A final season alongside Michael Schumacher at Benetton provided more podiums, but it was clear his time at the front was over. Rather than drifting backwards, Patrese called time on his F1 career and retired gracefully.

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