Two-time grand prix winner Patrick Tambay celebrated his 66th birthday yesterday. Besides his two Ferrari wins, one of Tambay’s finest drives came during the rain-soaked 1985 Portuguese Grand Prix. Lining up 12th on the grid, the Frenchman skilfully recovered through the field as he powered his Renault in treacherous conditions to claim third at the chequered flag.

But Tambay’s impressive performance was logically outshone by Ayrton Senna’s stellar race in the Lotus, with the Brazilian almost lapping the entire field to secure his maiden F1 win. Later on during the podium ceremony, Tambay would share his admiration for Senna by saying “there was an E.T. among us”. Parabéns a voce, Patrick!

Pierre Van Vliet

Pierre Van Vliet is a respected and authoritative figure in F1 news circles and brings a wealth of information to F1i.com

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