Emerson Fittipaldi (1946- ) was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil. He was the winner of the World Grand Prix Formula One championship in 1972 and 1974. Fittipaldi later became known as one of the greatest and most versatile drivers in automobile racing history when he won the Indianapolis 500, the most prestigious Indy cars race, in 1990 and 1993. He also won the 1989 Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) title.
In 1970 he became a Formula One driver for noted race car designer Colin Chapman. Fittipaldi enjoyed immediate success in the difficult European road races, and in 1972 he became the youngest driver to win the World Grand Prix Formula One championship. After finishing second in 1973, he was again champion in 1974, by which time he had won a total of 14 Formula One races.
In 1984, he switched over to racing on the CART circuit. Driving on the circuit's enclosed ovals requires skills quite different from those needed in the twisting European road races. After his first year, however, Fittipaldi was generally among the top ten drivers, winning many races in addition to his Indianapolis 500 crowns in 1990 and 1993.
