Marco Campos facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Marco Campos |
|
|---|---|
| Nationality |  Brazilian |
| Born | February 24, 1976 Curitiba, Brazil |
| Died | October 15, 1995 (aged 19) Paris, France |
| Related to | Júlio Campos (brother) |
| International Formula 3000 | |
| Years active | 1995 |
| Teams | Draco Engineering |
| Starts | 8 |
| Wins | 0 |
| Poles | 0 |
| Fastest laps | 0 |
| Best finish | 13th in 1995 |
| Previous series | |
| 1994 | FOpel Lotus Euroseries |
| Championship titles | |
| 1994 | FOpel Lotus Euroseries |
Marco Campos was a talented Brazilian racing driver. He was born on February 24, 1976, and sadly passed away on October 15, 1995. Marco was known for his skills in motorsport. He competed in the Formula 3000 series. This was a major step for young drivers hoping to reach Formula One.
Marco Campos was the only driver to die in an accident during an International Formula 3000 race. This happened at the Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours in France. His death was a sad moment in the world of racing.
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Marco Campos's Racing Journey
Marco Campos started his racing career in karting. He was very successful in this sport. In both 1992 and 1993, he won the Panamerican karting championship. He also became the South American karting champion in 1993.
Moving to European Racing
In 1994, Marco moved to Europe to race. He joined the European Formula Opel championship. He quickly showed his talent by winning the championship in his very first year. He raced for the Draco Junior Team.
Stepping Up to Formula 3000
After his success, Marco had a chance to race for the WTS F3 Team. This team was managed by Michael Schumacher's manager, Willi Weber. Marco would have been teammates with Ralf Schumacher. However, a sponsor from Brazil convinced Marco to stay with the Draco team.
The Draco team decided to move up to the International Formula 3000 championship in 1995. This was a big challenge for a new team. Marco drove a Lola car with a Cosworth engine. It was a tough season for him as a rookie driver. His best result was finishing fourth in a race at Enna. This was his only time scoring points that season.
A Tragic Accident
Marco Campos was involved in a serious accident. This happened during the final race of the season. The race was held at Magny Cours. On the very last lap, his car touched another car. His left front tire hit the right rear tire of Thomas Biagi's car.
This contact caused Marco's car to fly into the air. The car flipped over. Sadly, Marco's head hit a concrete wall while the car was upside down. He suffered very serious injuries. Marco passed away the next day at the Lariboisière Hospital in Paris, France. He was only 19 years old.
Marco finished 13th in the overall Drivers' Championship standings. This was in his only F3000 season.
Family in Racing
Marco Campos had a brother named Júlio. Júlio also followed in Marco's footsteps. He raced in karting and other formula championships. In 2001, Júlio won the Skip Barber championship in the USA. Today, he competes in Brazil's Stock Car Brasil Championship.
