Italian race car driver Michele Alboreto died on this day in 2001 during a test drive of an Audi R8 when he blew a tire during straight line speed tests, resulting in a fatal crash. Alboreto competed in Formula One from 1981 until 1994, racing for a number of different teams. This included five seasons with Ferrari between 1984 and 1988. In 1985 he placed second in the Formula One World Championship behind Alain Prost, but would go on to achieve numerous victories throughout his racing career. Notable wins came at the 1997 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 2001 12 Hours of Sebring sports car races.
