Patrick Tambay's victories in F1: Germany 1982 (1/2)

Disillusioned by the F1 after his complicated stint with Ligier (18th in the championship), Patrick Tambay returned to America and conditioned his return to the premier category on a call from Renault or Ferrari. This is exactly what happened in 1982, when the Habs were chosen, against all expectations, by Enzo Ferrari to replace one of his closest friends, the Canadian Gilles Villeneuve, who died tragically during qualifying for the Belgian Grand Prix in Zolder.

Eighth in Zandvoort (Netherlands) where he discovered the 126 C2, Tambay obtained his first podium at Brands Hatch (UK), and a solid 4th place at the Circuit Paul Ricard (Var). But on August 8, 1982, his career took a completely different turn. In the Ferrari bearing the legendary No. 27, he now centralized Ferrari's expectations, since he was the only Scuderia driver at the start of the race.

The day before, in qualifying in the rain, Didier Pironi was the victim of a terrible accident. Due to poor visibility conditions, Pironi had not seen the car byAlain Prost, shrouded in mist. The Ferrari driver took off violently on the Renault, Pironi seriously injuring his legs. 

Tambay, only Ferrari driver on the grid on Sunday

Fourth on the grid, Tambay did not give up the next day and even had the luxury of overtaking the Renaults of Prost and Rene Arnoux in the first 10 laps, which had some difficulties in the braking phases.

Race leader Nelson Piquet seemed untouchable at the wheel of his Brabham BMW, even having a lead of up to 24 seconds over the Ferrari driver. Except that the Brazilian, while taking a turn at Eliseo Salazar, was hit by the Chilean who failed to brake at the chicane.

What followed was the legendary episode of the punch between the two men, but Patrick Tambay had nothing to do with it. He was leading a Grand Prix for the first time in his career. At 33, the Habs took the opportunity to win their first victory in Formula 1, warming the bruised hearts of the Scuderia after the death of Villeneuve and Pironi's serious accident.

On the podium, Patrick's joy was naturally very internal, he who was still very affected by the death of his Canadian friend whom he was replacing. “I could dedicate this victory to Gilles or Didier. But I offer it to Enzo Ferrari, for the trust he has shown in me” he confided. This success notably helped Ferrari to win the Constructors' title at the end of a dark season for the Scuderia.

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