Difference between revisions of "Eric van de Poele"

Revision as of 15:10, 23 January 2022

Eric van de Poele (born 30 September 1961 in Verviers) is a Belgian racing driver, best known for competing in Formula 3000, Formula 1 and the World Touring Car Masters|World Touring Car Masters]].

F3000

After winning the DTM Title in 1987 for BMW (without winning a single race, at that!), Éric first appeared in F3000 in 1988, driving for Madgewick International, where he had a difficult season, scoring no points and being off the oace of the runners. He switched to French outfit DAMS for the Following year, where he would score points three times and generally shoeing improved skills.

He switched teams again in 1990, this time, going to Apomatox, another French outfit, as teammate to that season's eventual champion Damon Hill. The Belgian would have his best season in F3000, scoring his first win at silverstone and multiple podoum finishes as he ended up in 3rd place in the standings, also his career best in single seaters.

Formula 1

1991

Impressed by his results that season (and also wanting moeny from his sponsor, Lease Plan), Ken Tyrell signed Eric to his eponymous team for the 1991 Formula 1 season. Despite the lack of reliability, the Belgian would still manage a best finish of 8th at the San Marino Grand Prix and 9th at the Portuguese Grand Prix.

WTCM

1992

However, due to Tyrell's lack of money, Van de Poele was not retained for the 1992 season. He wouldn't be on the unemployement line for long, though, as he managed to sign with Opel privateers Autosport Mannschaft Gelsenkirchen for the 1992 World Touring Car Masters season, marking his return to touring car racing after a 5-year absence.