Stefano Modena

Stefano Modena (12 May 1963 - Present): Italian racing driver who competed in 81 Formula One World Championship Grands Prix between 1987 and 1992, achieving two podium finishes and 17 championship points across six seasons with multiple teams. Born in Modena, Italy—sharing his surname with the famous racing city—Modena progressed through Italian and European junior formulae before reaching Formula One. He made his Formula One debut at the 1987 Australian Grand Prix when Brabham offered him a one-off drive for the season finale, qualifying 15th. For 1988, Modena joined the new EuroBrun team, but the EuroBrun ER188 with its 3.

5-litre Ford Cosworth V8 engine proved hopelessly uncompetitive, and Modena struggled throughout the season. His fortunes improved dramatically when Brabham reformed after a 1988 sabbatical and signed Modena alongside Martin Brundle for 1989. At the 1989 Monaco Grand Prix, Modena achieved his first podium with third place, demonstrating exceptional skill on the demanding street circuit. This result marked the high point of his career and established him as a driver capable of front-running performances.

For 1991, Modena secured his biggest opportunity when Tyrrell signed him as replacement for Ferrari-bound team leader Jean Alesi. The 1991 season saw Modena driving competitive machinery for the first time in his career, and he responded well. He achieved his second and final podium with second place at the 1991 Canadian Grand Prix, confirming that his Monaco result had not been a fluke. For 1992, Modena moved to Jordan, but their car was severely hindered by the underpowered Yamaha V12 engine.

Modena struggled throughout the season, failing to qualify for four races—a humiliating experience for an established driver. Despite scoring Jordan's only championship point of the year with sixth place at the final round in Australia, Modena was unable to find a Formula One drive for 1993. His Formula One career ended after six seasons with 81 race entries, two podiums, and 17 points—a modest record that suggested unfulfilled potential. Modena's career exemplifies drivers whose talents were never fully realized due to spending most of their time in uncompetitive machinery.

His two podium finishes demonstrated genuine ability, but opportunities with top teams never materialized. After leaving Formula One, Modena competed in various categories including GT racing and touring cars. Known for: Finishing third at the 1989 Monaco Grand Prix for Brabham, achieving second place at the 1991 Canadian Grand Prix for Tyrrell, struggling with Jordan's underpowered Yamaha engine in 1992, and never scoring points in his debut or final seasons.