Today marks the 38h anniversary of the passing of two time F1 race winner Elio de Angelis. He was not only a talented driver but was a universally loved person by not just fans of motorsport but also by his competitors. Keke and Elio are indelibly linked not only because of their epic battle in 1982 at the Österreichring, in which Elio would win by a mere 0.050 seconds over Keke, but by their close mutual friendship.
Elio's brutal and tragic death, testing at the Paul Ricard circuit for Brabham, would have a profound impact on all the drivers in F1 but especially for Keke who was at the test. The horrific scene of Elio's crash and the death of his friend would haunt Keke with him stating it was a factor in his retirement from F1 at the end of 1986.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Elio de Angelis on the anniversary of his passing.
Elio de Angelis
26 March 1958 - 15 May 1986
More Information
To learn more about Elio de Angelis' life and career please visit the wonderful tribute website: Unfinished Symphony: An Elio de Angelis Tribute
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