Births on February 5

Héctor Rebaque, Mexican race car driver

Héctor Alonso Rebaque, born on 5 February 1956, is a distinguished Mexican former racing driver who left his mark on global motorsport during the 1970s and 1980s. Renowned for his participation in the pinnacle of open-wheel racing, Formula One, and later in American CART IndyCar events, Rebaque’s career was uniquely defined by both his driving prowess and an ambitious entrepreneurial spirit, notably evidenced by his ownership and operation of his very own Formula One team.

Héctor Rebaque's Formula One Career

Rebaque embarked on his Formula One journey in 1977, making his debut at the Belgian Grand Prix with the Hesketh Racing team. While his initial foray was challenging, it quickly set the stage for a more audacious move: establishing his own privateer racing outfit, Team Rebaque.

The Pioneering Team Rebaque (1978-1979)

In 1978, Héctor Rebaque took the extraordinary step of creating his own Formula One team, known simply as Rebaque. This venture was a rarity even then, as it was one of the last true privateer efforts in F1 history. Initially, the team operated customer chassis, specifically utilizing modified Lotus 78 and later the highly successful Lotus 79 cars from Colin Chapman's factory team. This allowed Rebaque to compete against well-funded constructor teams, a testament to his determination and resources. For the 1979 season, Rebaque’s ambition soared further as his team, with technical assistance from Penske, developed its own chassis, the HR100. Although the HR100 only made a single race appearance at the 1979 Canadian Grand Prix, this endeavor underscored Rebaque's profound commitment to the sport, extending beyond just driving to encompass vehicle development and team management.

Success with Brabham (1980-1981)

Rebaque's most competitive period in Formula One came when he joined the illustrious Brabham team in 1980, partnering with future multiple world champion Nelson Piquet. During his tenure with Brabham, driving cars designed by the legendary Gordon Murray, Rebaque consistently improved his performances. His career highlight in F1 was a notable fourth-place finish at the 1981 San Marino Grand Prix, contributing to his career total of 13 championship points under the scoring system of the era. This period solidified his reputation as a capable and determined Grand Prix driver.

Transition to CART IndyCar

Following his Formula One career, Héctor Rebaque transitioned to the highly competitive American CART IndyCar series in 1982. He competed in a limited number of events, further showcasing his versatility and adaptability across different disciplines of open-wheel racing before concluding his professional driving career at the highest levels of motorsport.

Frequently Asked Questions about Héctor Rebaque

When was Héctor Alonso Rebaque born?

Héctor Alonso Rebaque was born on 5 February 1956.

What were the primary racing series Héctor Rebaque competed in?

He predominantly competed in Formula One and the CART IndyCar series.

Did Héctor Rebaque own his own Formula One team?

Yes, he owned and operated his own Formula One team, known as Team Rebaque, during the 1978 and 1979 seasons. This team notably used customer Lotus chassis and even developed its own car, the HR100.

What was Héctor Rebaque's best result in Formula One?

His best Formula One finish was a fourth place at the 1981 San Marino Grand Prix, driving for the Brabham team.

What was unique about Team Rebaque in Formula One?

Team Rebaque was distinctive as one of the last truly privateer Formula One efforts. It not only campaigned customer chassis but also invested in developing its own Formula One car, the HR100, demonstrating a unique level of commitment for a private entry.