Franco Cortese

Franco Cortese had an exceptional automotive career, starting with Itala in 1926 and then moving on to drive for many of the world’s most prestigious automotive manufacturers, including Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Bugatti, and, of course, Ferrari. With Maserati, he competed in the voiturette class from 1937 to 1939, winning the Italian Sports Car Championship in 1938. His fame grew primarily thanks to his close collaboration with Ferrari between 1947 and 1951, where he was the first driver and tester for the automaker, driving the legendary Ferrari 125 S. He achieved numerous prestigious victories, including the Rome Grand Prix, the Vercelli Circuit, the Vigevano Circuit, and the Varese Circuit in 1947. In 1950, he triumphed at the Naples Grand Prix, and in 1951, he won the Targa Florio with a Frazer Nash. Even in 1956, he continued to demonstrate his talent by winning the Italian championship for cars with a 2-liter engine, this time driving a Ferrari 500. His contribution to the history of motorsport was significant, not only for his victories but also for his role in testing and developing racing cars, thus contributing to Ferrari’s success on tracks worldwide. His driving skills and commitment to the world of racing make him a legendary figure in both Italian and international motorsport.