Italy’s Eugenio Castellotti was Alberto Ascari’s designated successor in F1 after the two-time world champion had died in Monza in 1955. Sadly, Castellotti had too little time to confirm his credentials, as the Lombardy-born racer perished aged only 26 when he crashed in a private Ferrari test session held in Modena on this date 59 years ago.
In his all-too-short life and career, Castellotti still managed to win the iconic Mille Miglia and the 12 Hours of Sebring partnering the great Juan Manuel Fangio. In only 14 grand prix starts, the Italian ace secured three podiums and a stunning pole position, outpacing the almighty Mercedes on the fearsome Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in 1955.
