Legendary Ferrari engineer Mauro Forghieri, who worked for the Maranello team between 1959 and 1984 passed away today at the age of 87.
“It is customary to associate the name of Forghieri with Formula 1, but Mauro has designed cars that have been at the top of all sectors of racing series: from the European Mountain Championships, to the great endurance races, to Formula 2, and to the Gran Turismo Series. The final version of the Ferrari GTO is the result of his work. Forghieri designed the whole car, from the engine to the gearbox and the chassis. And he invented many engines: 8 cylinders at 90 °, 12 cylinders from 60 to 180 degrees, 6 cylinders and 12 supercharged cylinders. He is undoubtedly the most prolific, most versatile and most victorious designer in the history of Italian racing motoring”, with these words Giampaolo Dallara described Mauro Forghieri, fully grasping the indelible mark left in the racing world by the historic Italian engineer.
Mauro Forghieri worked for Ferrari from 1959 to 1984. Under his technical direction, the Maranello team won seven constructors’ world titles, four drivers’ titles and took 54 victories. The first race victory arrived in Germany in 1963 with John Surtees’ Ferrari 156 F1-63, the first world championship in 1964 with the Englishman aboard the Ferrari 158. From his pencil the first ailerons in Formula 1 were designed in 1964, and the successful series of 312 cars with which he helped Niki Lauda and Jody Scheckter win F1 titles for the Maranello team.
The editorial staff of ScuderiaFans.com express heartfelt condolences to Mauro Forghieri’s family at this sad time.
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