Michele Alboreto, 1956-2001. Credit Audi Motorsport.
This article appears in Italian below the English text.
For more images of Michele Alboreto’s life, see “Michele Alboreto, A Life in Photos”.
Ten years ago last month on April 25th, Michele Alboreto died in Germany during a private test with the Audi R8 with which he was to have participated in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The causes have not been completely clarified, and it seems that the accident was caused by progressive failure of the rear tire.
By Roberto Motta
Michele Alboreto was one of the best Italian drivers and the last Italian driver anointed by Enzo Ferrari, who saw in him the heir to the throne of Alberto Ascari.
Alboreto had a great talent and an uncommon determination but unfortunately he was never a truly successful driver, mainly due to a lack of luck.
His career began in 1976 in Formula Monza events at Monza. His first car was an old Vargiu, built in 1967. Michele had purchased this in partnership with his friend Alberto Hertel. (Formula Monza was an entry class for young driver. The cars were powered by a 500cc engine of the same type as used on the Fiat 500 Giardinetta.)
In the beginning at Monza, circa 1976. Can you help identify the car?