Michele Alboreto

Michele Alboreto, 1985 Canadian GP, Montreal. Copyright Francois Belley (www.photoF1.com), 2010. Used with permission.

Michele Alboreto, Le Mans, 2000. Copyright David Stephen Draper (www.newyorkgalleries.co.uk), 2011. Used with permission.
Born: |
23 Dec 1956 |
Died: |
25 Apr 2001 |
Nationality: |
Italy |
Grands Prix: | 194 (1981-1994) |
F2 starts: | 10 (1981) |
Indy 500s: | 1 (1996) |
Michele became one of the world's top sportscar stars after a long Formula 1 career and won Le Mans in 1997. After a win at Sebring, he was tipped for 2nd Le Mans win in 2001, but a puncture at 200mph, testing his Audi, saw him crash into the barriers, killing him instantly. Motorsport lost one of its most likeable sons for Michele was a true gentleman, generous with his time, and still as enthusiastic with the sport as he was when he was a boy. Alboreto was a boyhood fan of the sport whose great hero was Ronnie Peterson, which was reflected in Michele's helmet colours. He won the 1980 European Formula 3 title and then went on to win in almost evey category he raced thereafter.
Biography last updated 15 Aug 2015