TACH SPECIAL: Audi Driver Michele Alboreto Killed in Testing Accident
by David TrefferContributing Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
April 26, 2001
Audi driver Michele Alboreto was fatally injured Wednesday while testing the new Audi R8 at the Eurospeedway Lausitz circuit in Dresdner, Germany.
Alboreto was testing the Audi for the upcoming 24 Hours of Le Mans. Eyewitnesses to the crash have revealed that Alboreto’s car apparently suffered a mechanical failure on a straight section of the track. According to an unnamed course marshall, "The car veered to severely to the right, became airborne, vaulted a safety barrier, rolled several times before impacting an earthen wall." Medical officials were on the scene immediately but were unable to revive the stricken driver.
Audi has dispatched members of its engineering staff to investigate the accident.
Audi Motorsport Director Dr.Wol Ulrich commented "We will do everything in our power to find the reason for this accident, but right now our thoughts are with Michele’s wife Nadia, his two daughters and his whole family."
Alboreto, a veteran driver in sportscar as well as Formula 1, was part of the winning team at this years 12 Hours of Sebring. The 44-year old Italian was known as one of the best testing drivers in the motorsport business. Aside from his experience in sportscar, Alboreto had 13 years of experience in Formula One.
The investigation into the accident will be handled by German prosecutors who have impounded the car for reconstruction and review.
Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot photos and racing art, please visit The Racing Image Galleries and The Visions of Speed Art Gallery .