The Fabis had the right idea

Hat tip to Midweek Motorsport Fantasy Leaguer, Jeff Ianucci at the excellent www.mynameisirl.com for reminding me of the fact that Teo Fabi bagged pole as a rookie in 1983. Doorknobs is making a bid to repeat that achievement although it is very early and I won't get remotely excited on the Dutchman's behalf.

It did get me thinking about how he made it back to the brickyard with Forsythe Racing in 1984 while racing for Brabham in Formula 1. The answer, was of course, very much like me, enormously simple - job sharing! It was a family affair too as Teo stepped out of the car for the races in Monaco and Canada to be replaced by his younger brother Corrado.Corrado was the 1982 European Formula 2 Champion was, on paper, an ideal replacement for his big bother.



Teo Fabi racing for Forsythe (right) while Corrado (left) waits in the wings wearing a hat

But how would this work for other teams and drivers? I really couldn't see Colin Chapman being too happy about Mario Andretti offering his twin bother Aldo as his replacement at Lotus in 1978, although in fairness Aldo could well have beaten most of the field that season in the all conquering Lotus 79. Or how about Roger Penske embracing Wilson Fittipaldi's substitution of Emmo during the great years in CART?

And there isn't a team manager on earth who would fall for the old Michael to Ralf Schumacher switcheroo...is there?

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------