Definition
Roberto Ravaglia (born 12 March 1957) is an Italian former touring‑car racing driver best known for winning multiple European Touring Car Championships and for his long association with the BMW motorsport programme.
Overview
Born in Turin, Italy, Ravaglia began his motorsport career in the early 1980s, competing in national and European touring‑car series. He achieved his first major success in 1985, winning the European Touring Car Championship (ETCC) driving a BMW 635 CSi. He repeated this feat in 1987, securing a second ETCC title, also with BMW. Throughout the 1990s, Ravaglia raced in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) and the Italian Superturismo Championship, where he claimed several race victories and podium finishes. In 2002, he captured the Italian Superturismo Championship title. After retiring from full‑time competition, Ravaglia remained active in motorsport as a team manager for BMW’s touring‑car programmes and has worked as a television commentator and racing analyst.
Etymology/Origin
The given name Roberto is the Italian form of the Germanic name Robert, meaning “bright fame.” The surname Ravaglia is of Italian origin, derived from the Lombard word rava, meaning “ravine” or “gorge,” and is most commonly found in the Piedmont region of northern Italy.
Characteristics
- Driving style: Known for consistent lap times, technical precision, and the ability to adapt quickly to changing track conditions, especially in wet weather.
- Achievements: Two‑time ETCC champion (1985, 1987), Italian Superturismo champion (2002), multiple race wins in BTCC and national Italian touring‑car series.
- Affiliations: Long‑standing association with BMW Motorsport, competing primarily in BMW 3‑Series and 6‑Series touring‑car models.
- Post‑racing roles: Served as team director for BMW’s touring‑car operations, contributed to driver development programmes, and provided commentary for Italian television coverage of touring‑car events.
Related Topics
- European Touring Car Championship
- Italian Superturismo Championship
- British Touring Car Championship
- BMW Motorsport
- Touring‑car racing (general)