Eugenio Castellotti

Eugenio Castellotti (10 October 1930 – 14 March 1957) was a racing driver from Lodi, Italy. Picture above: Castellotti next to his Ferrari 555 “Supersqualo”, minutes before the 1955 Italian Grand Prix at Monza. Note: Well-known photographer Bernard Cahier can be seen behind Eugenio.

Raised in a humble family, Castellotti was a talented but wild driver. Always well turned out and instantly recognizable for his bright yellow shirts, the Italian had the attention of the Italian media not only for his speed but also for his relationship with a well-known ballerina and actress.

In 1952, he acquired a Ferrari from a local benefactor, and began racing sports cars. He immediately made an impression by winning races and often finishing on the podium.

In 1954, he signed for Lancia and again drove sports cars whilst hoping for a Grand Prix drive. He eventually made his F1 debut at Buenos Aires on 16 January 1955, for Lancia but crashed in the race. Later, he finished second at Monaco, but in mid-season the team merged with Scuderia Ferrari, for whom Castellotti drove for the remainder of his career.

He participated in 14 Grand Prix, achieving 3 podiums and scored a total of 19.5 championship points.

Castellotti also participated in several Sports Car races for Ferrari. The Italian won the 1956 12 Hours of Sebring, partnered with Fangio. He followed this triumph by winning the Mille Miglia race in Brescia, to the delight of the Italian spectators (picture below).

Sadly, he was killed at 26 years of age, while testing a new Ferrari Grand Prix car for the 1957 season, at the Modena Autodrome. Enzo Ferrari had urged him to beat the track record detained by a Maserati…