Obituary - Patrick Tambay

[René]

Some very sad news today and for me quite unexpected to be honest. Patrick Tambay has died at the age of 73. He apparently suffered from Parkinson's disease and from diabetes.

Tambay raced in F1 for Surtees, Theodore, McLaren, Ferrari and Renault but his biggest success came with Ferrari. Patrick replaced Gilles at Ferrari in a very stylish way and therefore forever loved by the tifosi. His victory in Germany in 1982 after Pironi's terrible accident and second place at Monza that same year and winning at Imola 1983 were moments that brought tears to many a Ferrari fan.

Rest in peace Patrick Tambay.

[Carl]

I also saw his awesome skill in the renewed 5 litre Can-Am. He won six races and the championship both years he was entered.

Patrick may have been the smooth operator who inspired the song by Sade


In the Lola T-333 at Road America in 1977 

Turn 7 at Riverside in the Carl Haas Lola T-530 1980                        

                              Bruce McLaren and Graham Hill at Turn 7 in 1965 

[René]

I remember those cars, they looked so cool. Not the ‘real’ CanAm maybe but very impressive looking and sounding machines. 

Here is Patrick in action at Mid-Ohio. Also two short interviews with the Frenchman. 

[René]

I’ve posted these photos I made before but I feel they are in place here.

Patrick in the Ferrari at Zandvoort 1982. Behind Patrick it’s Niki Lauda.



And at Spa 1983. Tambay chased by De Cesaris and Piquet.