Michele Alboreto fatally injured during testing
The Italian racing driver Michele Alboreto (44) is dead. It is with deep regret and sadness that AUDI AG must announce the death of their works driver at 17.30 p.m. today while test driving the Audi R8 racing sportscar on the Lausitzring in Brandenburg, Germany.
The racing sportscar with Michele Alboreto at the wheel was on a straight section of the Lausitz circuit when, for as yet unknown reasons, the vehicle went off the track and rolled.
Head of Audi Sport, Dr Wolfgang Ullrich spoke about the accident in his first statement as an "incomprehensible tragedy". In preparation for the 2001 season, the vehicle involved in the accident had already completed thousands of test kilometres on numerous circuits without any problems.
Dr Ullrich: "We will do everything in our power to find the reason for this accident. But right now our thoughts and condolences are with Michele´s wife Nadia, his two daughters, and his whole family."
The former Formula 1 driver Michele Alboreto became world vice champion in 1985 with Ferrari. His last great success came several weeks ago with a victory at the Sebring 12 Hour race in the USA.