The first and thus far, only woman to score world championship points, she died of breast cancer, at just 50 years of age, after fighting against the disease for seven years. She was still racing when her illness developed, having moved into sportscars, GT racing and latterly, touring car racing. Lella's - Lella being an alias at the start of her career to hide the fact she was racing (Her real name was Maria Grazia) - fight against the disease was typical of her quiet determination and mental toughness that saw her reach Formula 1. Away from racing, Lella also enjoyed fishing. A graduate of Formula Monza and Formula 3, her win in the Coppa Florio in 1979 meant she became the first woeman to win a FIA-sanctioned championship event. She ran, with her partner who also died of breast cancer at a young age, just one year later, an insurance agency, being regional agents for Unipol. She carried on racing after been diagnosed for three years, before forming her own team in 1988 when the disease meant she had to sop racing. She carried on running the team directly - despite illness - until 1991.

Biography last updated 21 Feb 2026