Former Formula 1 driver Tarso Marques was arrested in Brazil after being caught driving an unlicensed Lamborghini. The 49-year-old was found driving the vehicle, which was reported as stolen, on the Cidade Jardim Bridge in Sao Paulo at around 3am on Sunday morning.
Marques, who was Fernando Alonso's first F1 partner when they teamed up at Minardi in 2001, was reportedly driving the Lamborghini Gallardo without plates. Police discovered the car had 'misappropriation, legal restrictions and overdue licensing since 2013,' as reported by Metropoles. The vehicle, valued at more than 1.2 million Brazilian Reais (£163,000), had accumulated debts totalling over R$1.3 million (£177,000).
An excerpt from the police report read: 'When the driver noticed the inspection, he tried to replace the plates, but was restrained by the police.' Marques was taken to the 14th Police Station in Sao Paulo and charged with receiving stolen goods and tampering with a motor vehicle identification number. He was reportedly released on Sunday afternoon after posting bail of around £3,000.
Marques made his F1 debut in 1996 with Minardi and returned to the team in 2001 to partner Alonso. Despite finishing one place ahead of Alonso that season, he failed to score any championship points. After F1, he competed in Champ Car and Stock Car Brasil before retiring and moving into television.
