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Zsolt Baumgartner
Born: 01.01.81
Birthplace:Budapest
Team: Minardi
2006 Car Number: 21
Last Season: Did not score |
GP Pedigree (After the Brazilian Grand Prix)
Starts: 20
Victories: 0
Poles: 0
Fastest Laps: 0
Points: 1
GP Debut: 2003, Hungarian GP, Jordan - DNF
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The promising 22-year-old from Budapest contested two F1 events last season – the Hungarian and Italian GPs – when he was drafted in to replace the injured Ralph Firman at Jordan.
But 2004 will mark the first time a Hungarian driver has raced full-time in the World Championship.
"The two races I did this past season made me more determined than ever that I wanted to be in Formula One," he confessed.
Baumgartner established himself with two drives for Jordan in 2003, including an emotional debut in his home GP in Hungary.
Engine trouble spoiled that appearance but two weks later, he battled his way to a creditable 11th at Monza.
Baumgartner secured his seat for 2004 with the financial help of the Hungarian government who are believed to have contributed around £2m to the Minardi racing budget for the year.
Formula One Career:
| 2004:
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GP with Minardi. |
| 2003:
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GP with Jordan (two races) - 11th in Italy. |
Background:
| 2002:
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FIA F3000 International Championship in the Coloni Motorsport Team, seventh overall. Drove a Jordan F1 car.
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| 2001:
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FIA F3000 International Championship in the Prost Junior Team, 12th place overall after competing in last four rounds. Sixth overall in Formula 3 German Championship.
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| 2000:
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German F3 Championship, seventh place overall and fifth in junior category.
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| 1999:
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Winner of Formula Renault German Championship, six, with two wins, two second places and six poles. Third place overall in Formula Renault 2000 Championship.
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| 1998:
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La Filiere (Prost) school, third place overall.
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| 1997:
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Formula Renault German Championship, second place overall.
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| 1994-6:
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Twice second in the Hungarian Go-Kart International series.
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