A motorsport enthusiast, in 1976 Ambrosio agreed a sponsoring deal with the American team Shadow. In November 1977 Ambrosio, Alan Rees, former racing driver Jackie Oliver, Dave Wass and Tony Southgate founded the Arrows Grand Prix International team in Milton Keynes, England. The team derived its name from the initials of the founders' surname when they left Shadow. Arrows appeared on the grid for their first race at the 1978 Brazilian Grand Prix, all within three months.