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Gil De FerranBrazilian racing driver and sports manager
Date of Birth: 11.11.1967
Country:  Brazil |
Content:
- Gilberto de Ferran: A Legendary Racer's Journey
- First Strides
- Formula Success
- Dominance in British Formula-3
- International Formula 3000 and F1 Tests
- Move to IndyCar
- CART Success
- Transition to Indy Racing League and Legacy
- Later Years and Motorsport Involvement
- Tragic Demise
Gilberto de Ferran: A Legendary Racer's Journey
Early YearsGilberto de Ferran, born into an aristocratic Spanish family in 1967, developed a passion for racing at an early age. His father and uncle held prominent positions in automotive companies, and the family relocated from France to Brazil in 1968. Inspired by Emerson Fittipaldi's success, de Ferran began competing in karting at age five, but his parents initially restricted his involvement due to safety concerns.
First Strides
In 1982, de Ferran returned to racing while pursuing a college degree in Mechanical Engineering. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming Vice-Champion in the Brazilian Formula-A series. In 1985, he made his debut in Formula-Ford and secured a victory in the championship two years later. With financial support, he moved to the United Kingdom in 1988 to further his career.
Formula Success
In Britain, de Ferran faced an adjustment period before finding success in Formula-3 in 1988. He caught the attention of Reynard Motorsport, which laid the foundation for his future achievements. In 1989, he joined Reynard's Formula-Ford team, where he secured four victories and finished third overall.
Dominance in British Formula-3
Through connections with Rick Gorne, de Ferran competed in Formula-Vauxhall Lotus and Euroseries Formula-Opel Lotus in 1990, winning races and finishing on the podium in both championships. In 1992, he returned to British Formula-3 and dominated, claiming seven victories and the championship title.
International Formula 3000 and F1 Tests
De Ferran's talent extended to International Formula 3000, where he raced for two years with consistent top-three finishes. Despite testing for the Williams F1 team and impressing on wet asphalt, he was unable to secure a full-time drive.
Move to IndyCar
Through Gorne and Paul Stewart, de Ferran participated in IndyCar tests, leading to a two-year contract with Jim Hall's team. His first season was plagued by technical issues and crashes, but he gradually gained momentum, winning his first race in 1995 and earning Rookie of the Year honors.
CART Success
In 1997, de Ferran joined Derrike Walker's team and emerged as a top contender, finishing second in the championship. Moving to Team Penske in 1999, he led the team to its first CART title in 15 years. He successfully defended his title in 2001.
Transition to Indy Racing League and Legacy
When Penske moved to the Indy Racing League (IRL) in 2002, de Ferran followed. He won the Indianapolis 500 in 2003, confirming his status as one of the top drivers in the sport. After retiring as a driver, de Ferran became a highly respected team manager and technical consultant.
Later Years and Motorsport Involvement
In 2005, de Ferran briefly served as Sporting Director of the BAR F1 team. He founded his own ALMS team in 2008, competing in the LMP1 class. He attempted to establish an IRL IndyCar team in 2010 but faced sponsorship challenges. De Ferran remained involved in the sport, contributing to the technical and sporting regulations of the IRL.
Tragic Demise
On December 29, 2023, Gilberto de Ferran suffered a fatal heart attack at age 56. He was remembered as a brilliant racer, a respected mentor, and a true ambassador for the sport he loved.
