Brazilian Nelson Soutomaior, perhaps fortunately for race commentators, adopted his mother’s maiden name of Piquet when he arrived in Europe in 1977. Within a decade the fun-loving driver had won no less than three World Championships (1981, 1983 and 1987) with three different engine manufacturers (Ford, BMW and Honda). Unfortunately, a bad practice crash at Indianapolis in 1992 virtually ended his competitive driving career.
Piquet is pictured waiting patiently as technicians swarm over his Williams FW11 at a practice stop during the 1986 season. The scene is a far cry from the days 30 years earlier when a couple of mechanics in greasy coveralls would be the only ones in attendance at such a stop.
For commissions, originals and prints, contact:
Chris Phillips, (905) 648-0329, or see more of his automotive artwork at www.racing-art.com
