Two years later, in "Formula Italia," his victory in Magione opened the doors of Formula 3, which was
no small feat in the late seventies. Already a vice-champion in his first year, he claimed the top spot in
1980. During the same year, he was also recruited by Lancia for the endurance championship.
In 1981, in F2 with Minardi. he imposed himself at Misano
against the official March and Spirit teams, achieving the
only triumph in the history of the Minardi team. In addition to new victories with the Lancia LMP1, thanks to
the 'mediation' of some friends, came the call from Ken Tyrrell.
The great talent scout of the Formula 1 Circus offered him a seat for the San Marino GP. He exploited the
opportunity well, and his apprenticeship in F1 continued for the rest of the championship and the following
year. Still driving for the Tyrrell team, the breakthrough came with the incredible victory in Las Vegas in
the last race of the season.
At the end of the season, a McLaren offer was on the table. However, when the call from Enzo Ferrari came
in
October of that year, Michele didn't hesitate: from 1984 onwards, he would be a Ferrari driver alongside
Renè
Arnoux. An Italian driver had been absent from the Ferrari team for eleven years, dating back to the distant
era of Arturo Merzario.
In that year, another important event took place in his life his marriage to Nadia, his lifelong love. Their
relationship had blossomed during his youth on the outskirts of Rozzano, a place he never forgot.
In 1988, McLaren's dominance was almost unbroken, except for a remarkable exception at Monza. Only a month
had passed since Enzo Ferrari's passing, and the Ferrari team managed to achieve a remarkable double victory
filled with emotion and significance on the Brianza circuit, which hosts the Italian Grand Prix.
Alboreto secured the second position on the podium, surrounded by a sea of red flags, as he bid farewell to
the Ferrari team and the Cavallino Rampante (Ferrari's symbol).
Shortly before his passing, Enzo Ferrari had called Alboreto to Maranello. With Nigel Mansell set to join
the
team the following year, the decision was still in the hands of the influential Ferrari Chief. Despite the
possibility of contract renewal, Alboreto decided to move on.
For the 1989 season, without a place at Williams, Alboreto returned to where his Formula One journey began:
the blue Tyrrell 017. Despite limited resources and lacking major sponsors, he achieved an incredible
third-place finish in Mexico, marking his final podium appearance in the sport.
Amid mid-season contractual issues, he moved on to
the modest Larrousse team, followed by stints at Footwork (achieving some respectable results in 1992) and
the
Scuderia Italia (a challenging year). In 1994, he reunited with his old team Minardi. Tragically, amidst the
events of Imola, he comprehended that Ayrton Senna's fatal accident would profoundly transform the sport's
atmosphere.
Alboreto attained a splendid sixth place in Monaco, his final race that garnered a point, culminating his
illustrious and extensive Formula One career spanning 215 Grands Prix and 5 victories.
The decision to continue his career proved to be wise for
Alboreto. In 1997, his collaboration with the Joest team, driving a Porsche, led to a victory at the 24
Hours
of Le Mans. Two years later, as the team transitioned into the Audi realm, Alboreto embarked on a quest for
a
repeat victory in the iconic French race.
The year 2001 began with promising prospects. Alongside teammates Capello and Aiello, Alboreto triumphed in
the 12 Hours of Sebring, driving the Audi R8.
On April 25th, a Wednesday, Alboreto's tragic accident occurred. While testing a car's
tire
at Audi Sport on the Lausitzring circuit, he collapsed while traveling at a speed of 300 km/h, causing the
car
to lift off and roll over. This incident drew parallels to the fate of the legendary Alberto Ascari. Just
like
Ascari, Michele Alboreto met his end away from the glamorous spotlight of racing, during a routine test
session.
At the age of only 44, Alboreto's life came to a close, leaving behind a storied past, a significant
present
in racing, and a future that undoubtedly would have extended his role as a moral guide, not only within the
realm of motorsport but also within his own community.