Born on January 25, 1976 to parents who were always deeply fond of car racing. Mario grew up in this environment with a passion for racing. His first sport was tennis, but due to constant visits with Nelson Piquet, an old family friend, a preference for Karts developed very quickly. In the 1992 Pan-American Championship Mario finished 3rd and in 1993 he became Sao Paulo State champion. Next came the cars, and after a limited number of races in the Brazilian F-Ford, he decided in 1995 to try his luck racing in the British F-Ford version. So he moved to Cambridge, England. Showcasing his talent in England brought the opportunity to move up to North America's highly competitive Champ Car Series in 2003.

2004 Champ Car Series - Walker Racing

2003 Champ Car Series - Team Conquest

2002 International F3000 Championship - Team Astromega
Tested Champ Car - Walker Racing

2001 International F3000 Championship - Super Nova Racing
Tested F1 - Jordan G.P.- Testou F1 - Jordan G.P.

2000 International F3000 Championship - Fortec Motorsport

1999 International F3000 Championship West Competition Team
Tested F1 - McLaren

1998 British F3 Champion - Paul Stewart Racing
Tested F1 - Stewart G.P.

1997 British F3 Championship - Martin Donnelly Racing

1996 Formula Renault European Championship Manor Motorsport

1995 British Formula Ford Junior CHAMPION
Runner up Formula Ford World Festival Manor Motorsport

1990 - 1994 Kart Brazil - 2 Times Sao Paulo CHAMPION