MARCH 20, 1995
Moreno returns to F1
Roberto Moreno is back in Formula 1 after two seasons in the motor racing wilderness.
A big talent, Moreno has never been able to raise much in the way of sponsorship and has struggled throughout his F1 career, which dates back to 1987 when he made his debut with AGS. He went on to drive for Coloni and EuroBrun before finally getting his big F1 chance at Benetton after Sandro Nannini was injured in a helicopter crash at the end of 1990. Roberto justified Benetton's confidence in his ability by finishing second behind Nelson Piquet at Suzuka, in only his second race for the team.
He stayed with Benetton for 1991; but in the mid-season Benetton boss Flavio Briatore kicked him out of the team, amid much controversy, and signed up Michael Schumacher. Moreno was paid $500,000 to go away. At the end of 1991 he drove briefly for both Jordan and Minardi. The following season he signed up with the ill-fated Andrea Moda Formula and gave the team its one race start at Monaco.
In 1993 he became an Alfa Romeo touring car driver in France but last year had nothing. He drove briefly in qualifying for the Indy 500 and took part in a single Brazilian touring car event.
This will probably be the 36-year-old's last chance in F1 and, although Forti testing has been depressing - with Diniz a long way off the pace - Moreno should be able to put on a much better show than Diniz.