Prince Bira

Prince Birabongse Bhanudej Bhanubandh or Phra Chao Worawong Ther Phra Ong Chao Birabongse Bhunudej Thai: ???????????????? ????????????????????????? (born 15 July 1914 – 23 December 1985), better known as Prince Bira of Siam (now Thailand) or by his nom de course B. Bira, was the first and remains the only Thai to drive in Formula One. He raced in Formula One and Grand Prix races for the Maserati, Gordini, and Connaught teams, among others. He also was an Olympic sailor in the Melbourne Olympics, 1956 in the Star, Rome Olympics, 1960 in the Star, Tokyo Olympics, 1964 in the Dragon and the Munich Olympics, 1972 in the Tempest. In the 1960 Games he competed against another former Formula One driver, Roberto Mieres, who finished 17th, ahead of the prince at 19th. Birabongse was the only Southeast Asian driver in Formula One until Malaysia's Alex Yoong joined Minardi in 2001. Prince Bira was not only a racing driver, he was also a pilot of gliders and powered aircraft. In 1952 he flew from London to Bangkok in his own twin engine Miles Gemini aircraft.

fonte: Wikipedia