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“Mauro Forghieri chose me”

04. Nov 2022 
by Eric van de Poele
3439 views

After finishing runner-up in the 1990 Formula 3000 Series, Belgian Eric van de Poele signed for the Modena Formula One team for 1991, driving their Mauro Forghieri-designed Lamborghini cars. He qualified onto the grid at his third attempt, for the 1991 San Marino Grand Prix at Imola.

There he impressed in the rain, running fifth in the last lap before his car ran out of fuel, dropping him to ninth. The team, in financial difficulties, was unable to build on this promises and Eric van de Poele would not race again that year.

Nevertheless, he remembers fondly his collaboration with Mauro Forghieri who passed away at the age of 87: He was a great man. It’s thanks to him that I entered the Formula One. He was the one who chose the drivers, Nicola Larini and myself, picture below, for the 1991 season. It was an immense honour to have been able to work for this icon of motor racing.” 

Source: Eric van de Poele

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