(c) 'Who is Who' by Steve Small, 2000

Родился: 26.03.1964 Белфаст, Северная Ирландия Сезонов в Ф1: 2 Лет в Ф1: 2 Гран При: 15 Старты: 13* *не стартовал: 2 Победы: - подряд: Подиумы: - подряд: Поул-позиции: - подряд: Первый ряд: - подряд: Быстрые круги: - подряд: Лучший финиш: 7 Лучший старт: 11 Дубли: Хет-трики: Лидирование старт/финиш: Большие шлемы: Круги: 586 - лидирования: Километры: 2630.88 - лидирования: Очки: - за один сезон: - подряд:

Ф1: 1989-1990

Год	Команда	Шасси
1989	Arrows Grand Prix International	Arrows A11
1990	Camel Team Lotus	Lotus 102

A graduate of FF2000, Donnelly made an immediate impact on the Marlboro Formula 3 series in his first season in 1986, winning four races and finishing third overall in the rankings. A favourite for the title the following year, his chances were ruined by a disastrous early-season run, and only when he switched to the Cellnet Intersport team did things improve and Martin return to the winner's circle.

He remained in F3 for a third year in 1988, but in mid-season he jumped ship, much to Intersport's chagrin, to join Eddie Jordan's Q8 F3000 team. In just four races, the Ulsterman took two wins and two second places. Things seemed set fair for a championship challenge in 1989. but after a win at Vallelunga had been wiped out he lost the initiative to new team-mate Jean Alesi, despite a victory at Brands Hatch.

Meanwhile Donnelly had made a steady GP debut for Arrows, and signed to drive for Lotus in 1990. The car was not one of the best, but Martin impressed nevertheless, until disaster struck in practice for the Spanish GP. He was very fortunate to survive when his car disintegrated after impact with the barriers, the helpless driver being tossed onto the track still strapped to the seat and the remnants of the car, and only first-class medical help at trackside saved his life.

Donnelly's rehabilitation was long and painful, but he was to make a miraculous recovery, although, sadly, it would not allow a return to the Grand Prix arena.

In 1992 he set up a Vauxhall Junior team and Martin Donnelly Racing has since been very successful in the junior single-seater formulae, helping guide and shape the careers of a new generation of young chargers with their sights set on Formula 1.

(c) 'Who is Who' by Steve Small, 2000