Tarso Marques, a former Formula 1 driver who partnered Fernando Alonso at Minardi in 2001, was arrested in Sao Paulo for illegally possessing a Lamborghini Gallardo, valued at over £163,000.
The 49-year-old was caught driving the unlicensed vehicle, reported stolen, on the Cidade Jardim Bridge at 3am.
Police discovered the car had legal restrictions and overdue licensing since 2013, with debts exceeding £177,000.
Marques attempted to swap plates during inspection but was restrained.
Charged with receiving stolen goods and tampering with vehicle identification, he was released on £3,000 bail.
Marques, a former karting and Formula Chevrolet champion, debuted in F1 in 1996, with his best results being two ninth-place finishes in 2001.
After failing to secure points, he returned to Champ Car and Stock Car Brasil before transitioning to television, focusing on vehicle customization.
The son of former driver Paulo de Tarso, Marques’ arrest adds a controversial chapter to his post-racing career, highlighting legal troubles over luxury vehicle ownership.
The 49-year-old was caught driving the unlicensed vehicle, reported stolen, on the Cidade Jardim Bridge at 3am.
Police discovered the car had legal restrictions and overdue licensing since 2013, with debts exceeding £177,000.
Marques attempted to swap plates during inspection but was restrained.
Charged with receiving stolen goods and tampering with vehicle identification, he was released on £3,000 bail.
Marques, a former karting and Formula Chevrolet champion, debuted in F1 in 1996, with his best results being two ninth-place finishes in 2001.
After failing to secure points, he returned to Champ Car and Stock Car Brasil before transitioning to television, focusing on vehicle customization.
The son of former driver Paulo de Tarso, Marques’ arrest adds a controversial chapter to his post-racing career, highlighting legal troubles over luxury vehicle ownership.
