Michele Alboreto (1956-2001)
Many knew him as a successful driver for Ferrari in F1 or as a Le
Mans winner for Porsche. Audiphiles knew him as one of the select
works drivers for Audi's dominating R8 factory team. Those lucky
enough to have attended the Monterrey Historic Automobile Races
in 1999 might even remember him simply as the gentlemanly driver
who refused to rocket his matte black Audi R8 past a multi-million
dollar Auto Union Type C silver arrow, creating awe and one heck
of a photo opportunity for those in attendance.
However one might remember him, Audiphile and motorsport buff
alike knew Michele Alboreto as a highly effective racecar driver with
an easygoing demeanor and a kind smile.
Earlier today, while test driving the newest version of the Audi R8
racing sportscar on the Lausitzring in Saxony, Germany, Michele
Alboreto was killed when his vehicle went off the track and rolled.
Dr Wolfgang Ullrich, head of Audi Sport, described the accident in
an early statement as an "incomprehensible tragedy".
At this early time, the cause of Alboreto's accident is still
somewhat unclear. In preparation for the 2001 season, this newest
evolution of the R8 had already logged thousands of kilometers in
testing on numerous circuits without any problems.
In an interview shortly after the accident, Dr. Ullrich stated, "We
will do everything in our power to find the reason for this accident.
But right now our thoughts and condolences are with Michele´s
wife Nadia, his two daughters, and his whole family."
Michele Alboreto was born in Milan, Italy on December 23, 1956. At
the age of 44, Alboreto had lead a long and storied racing career.
Michele began his professional racing career in 1977 racing
European Formula 3. Two years later he won the European F3. In
1981 Michele got his big break into Formula 1 when Tyrrell brought
him aboard. It did not take him long to win his first Grand Prix the
following year at Las Vegas, and a second the next year at Detroit,
he was well on his way to making a name for himself.
In 1984 he moved to Legendary Ferrari and showed the world he
had what it takes to win races. Michele logged 3 wins while racing
with Ferrari. Belgium ('84), Canada ('85) and Germany ('85). He
finished second in the World Drivers Championship to Alain Prost in
'85.
Upon learning of Alboreto's death, Ferrari president Luca
Montezemolo said, "Michele Alboreto played an important role as a
driver in the history of Ferrari. He was intelligent, and paid a great
deal of attention to the technical problems involved in the
development of the car. His death has been a hard blow to take,
and has filled me with a deep sadness. Michele continued to race,
driven on by an irrepressible passion, proving that in our sport,
which is totally involving, risk is always around the corner."
After racing with such teams as Tyrrell, Larousse, Lola, Arrows,
Footwork and Minardi Michele decided it was time to hang up his
Formua 1 shoes.
In 1995 he decided to try his hand at touring cars with Alfa Romeo
and the Indy Racing League before finding a very comfortable and
successful career in sports car racing. In 1997 he won Le Mans
with Stefan Johansson and current Audi teammate Tom Kristensen
driving the Joest Racing Porsche WSC95.
More recently, Michele had become a staple driver for Audi Sport's
factory works team, piloting the R8 to victories throughout its
development. Just last month, Alboreto won the 12 Hours of
Sebring and had been one of the favored drivers to win Le Mans
again this year.
Scott Atherton of Panoz Motor Sports and the American Le Mans
Series, issued a statement Wednesday night in response to the loss
of Alboreto.
"Today's news is very sad for all of motorsports," he said. "Michele
Alboreto was a champion in every sense of the word. His mere
presence in the starting field for one of our events added prestige
and excitement. We were honored to have him as part of the
winning team last month at Sebring and last year at the Petit Le
Mans. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to his family, and to his
teammates and friends at Audi. Tonight, we are grieving along with
his fans from around the globe. He will be missed."
Our staff was lucky enough to meet Alboreto while at the
Monterrey Historics and at an Audi press launch that followed.
Michele had attended the event and shared in the revival of Audi's
motorsport endeavors at Monterrey. He could be seen throughout
the weekend spending time with his two young daughters, as his
enjoyment of the day would not have been complete without them.
The Italian works driver stayed as long as he could, and on his very
last drive for the day, staffer Jamie Vondruska got to experience a
hot lap around Laguna Seca with Alboreto. As they returned,
Michele quickly removed his helmet and hurried toward a minivan
waiting nearby that would take he and his family to the airport for
their return to Monte Carlo.
At this somber time, our thoughts and prayers go out to Michele
and his family in this time of loss, and we pray the motorsport
community has seen its last loss for a long time to come.
Michele Alboreto Biography
Date of birth: 23 December 1956 Click here for a Gallery of Michele Alboreto.
By: George Achorn & Chuck Macak
Place of birth: Milan (I)
Place of residence: Monte Carlo (MC)
Status: Married to Nadia, two daughters
Previous Le Mans races: 8 (Winner in 1997)
Started career in: 1976 (Audi driver since 1999)
