April 25, 2001 – Michele Alboreto killed while testing Audi R8

Michele Alboreto driving an Audi R8, similar to the one in which he died. By lecates CC BY-SA 2.0.

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. 

The best way to support This Day in Automotive History is to become a monthly subscriber on Facebook.

Subscriber benefits include:

  • Most importantly, you’re supporting great content about Automotive History
  • Early access to content on Facebook
  • Discounts on our store
  • Special live videos

If you learned something today, please buy me a beer!

No payment method connected. Contact seller.

This Day in Automotive History - the book!

This Day In Automotive History

By Brian Corey

This book tells fascinating tales, bringing individual days to life with short stories, photographs and illustrations.

This Day in Automotive History

This Day in Automotive History is a transportation history, car history and general automotive history website dedicated to providing informative and entertaining content.

We encourage you to share our page and connect with us on Facebook or sign up for our automotive history newsletter. If you’d like your car featured, reach out to us!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER!

Connect with us on Facebook or sign up for our automotive history newsletter to keep in touch.