Ricardo Zonta

Ricardo Luiz Zonta is a Brazilian racing driver, currently competing in Formula 1 CMP for the BAR team.

1999
Zonta had a tough debut season in Formula 1 CMP. Driving for BAR, he achieved only one finish in the top 10, with a 9th place at the Italian Grand Prix. This meant he finished the season 23rd and last out of all the drivers who were contracted to drive for the entire season. He did end up missing three Grands Prix (San Marino, Monaco and Spain) as reserve driver Mika Salo was promised to make at least three appearances while BAR weighed their options for the next season.

2000
Zonta was initially out of a seat this season because of his underwhelming performances in 1999. However, after the Monaco Grand Prix, the driver that was initially poised to drive for BAR instead of Salo or the Brazilian, Minuy600 left to join McLaren.

As a result, Zonta was drafted back in to refill the seat he had the year prior. Zonta managed to finish third at the Hungarian Grand Prix, his first points and podium of his career. These ended up being his only points of the season, despite showing various flashes of speed in many Grands Prix that followed.