Births on February 11

Roberto Moreno, Brazilian race car driver

Roberto Pupo Moreno: A Distinguished Career in Motorsport

Roberto Pupo Moreno, born on 11 February 1959, is a celebrated Brazilian former racing driver, universally known as Roberto Moreno or affectionately as Pupo Moreno. Throughout his extensive career, he became renowned for his remarkable adaptability and resilience across various top-tier motorsport categories, earning him a unique place in racing history.

Early Milestones and the Formula 3000 Triumph

Moreno's journey in motorsport began with the traditional route of karting, where he honed his skills before progressing to single-seater formulas. His talent quickly shone through, leading him to an early foray into American open-wheel racing, with a participation in CART in 1986. However, it was his dominant performance in the 1988 International Formula 3000 Championship that truly propelled him into the global spotlight. Driving for Bromley Motorsport with a powerful Ralt-Cosworth, Moreno clinched the championship title, a pivotal achievement that firmly established him as a prime candidate for Formula One, which he joined full-time in 1989. This championship served as the premier stepping stone to Formula One at the time, showcasing his readiness for the pinnacle of motorsport.

Formula One: The "Super Sub" Era and a Memorable Podium

Roberto Moreno participated in 75 Formula One Grands Prix, accumulating a total of 15 championship points and achieving one remarkable podium finish. His Formula One career, though often fragmented, saw him drive for a variety of teams, including Ensign, AGS, EuroBrun, Benetton, Jordan, and Minardi, among others. A standout moment arrived at the 1990 Japanese Grand Prix, where, stepping in for the injured Alessandro Nannini at Benetton, he secured an impressive second place. This incredible result behind his compatriot Nelson Piquet showcased his innate speed and ability to deliver under pressure, especially considering the limited time he had with the car. It was late in his career that Moreno earned the enduring moniker "Super Sub." This nickname accurately reflected his frequent role as a replacement driver for injured or unavailable competitors across multiple teams, including notable stints at Jordan after Bertrand Gachot's arrest, and his initial call-up to Benetton. His reputation for being able to quickly adapt to new machinery and extract competitive pace made him a highly valued asset in the demanding world of Formula One.

Resurgence in CART and Champ Car: An "Indian Summer"

Following his Formula One chapter, Moreno made a significant return to American open-wheel racing, rejoining the CART series in 1996. It was here that he truly experienced an "Indian summer" in his career, particularly during the 2000 and 2001 seasons. Demonstrating that age was merely a number, he celebrated two memorable victories: the first at the 2000 Texaco/Havoline Grand Prix of Houston and the second at the 2001 Molson Indy Vancouver. His consistency and competitive spirit saw him finish an impressive fourth in the championship standings in 2001, proving his enduring talent. This resurgence allowed him to extend his career in the series, later known as Champ Car, until 2008, showcasing an extraordinary longevity and passion for high-speed competition.

Beyond Open-Wheel: Endurance, Coaching, and Historic Racing

Beyond his prolific open-wheel career, Moreno has also competed in a range of other demanding motorsport disciplines. He participated in various endurance events and GT racing championships, particularly in his native Brazil, further underscoring his versatility. Today, Roberto Moreno remains actively involved in motorsport, dedicating much of his time as a highly respected driver coach and consultant. He shares his invaluable experience and insights with the next generation of racers. Although these professional commitments occupy a significant portion of his schedule, Moreno has never officially retired from racing. He continues to appear in prestigious historic motorsport events, where fans can still witness his skill and passion for the sport firsthand.

Personal Interests and Enduring Legacy

Away from the demanding world of professional racing, Roberto Moreno pursues a fascinating hobby: building light aeroplanes. This demonstrates another facet of his technical acumen and passion for engineering beyond the racetrack. Roberto Pupo Moreno's career is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and an unwavering love for racing. From his championship success in Formula 3000 to his "Super Sub" heroics in Formula One and his triumphant "Indian Summer" in CART, his contributions to motorsport are both diverse and significant.

Frequently Asked Questions About Roberto Moreno

What is Roberto Moreno's most famous nickname?

Roberto Moreno is widely known as the "Super Sub," a nickname he earned for his remarkable ability to step in for injured or unavailable drivers in Formula One and immediately achieve competitive results.

What was Roberto Moreno's best result in Formula One?

His career-best result in Formula One was a second-place finish at the 1990 Japanese Grand Prix, driving for the Benetton team after being called in as a substitute.

Did Roberto Moreno win any races in CART/Champ Car?

Yes, he achieved two victories during his "Indian Summer" in CART/Champ Car: one at Houston in 2000 and another at Vancouver in 2001.

Is Roberto Moreno officially retired from racing?

No, Roberto Moreno is not officially retired. While he works extensively as a driver coach and consultant, he continues to participate in historic motorsport events, showcasing his enduring passion for racing.

What is Roberto Moreno's hobby outside of racing?

Outside of his motorsport commitments, Roberto Moreno enjoys building light aeroplanes, a pursuit that highlights his interest in engineering and mechanics.