Michele Alboreto
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