Former Formula 1 driver Andrea de Cesaris has died at the age of 55 after a motorcycle crash in Italy.
Press reports in Italy say the Italian crashed in the capital Rome and was killed instantly.
De Cesaris competed in 214 Formula 1 races between 1980 and 1994 before hanging up his helmet, but failed to visit the top step of the podium. His best results were second places in the 1983 German and South African Grand Prix whilst driving for Alfa Romeo, while he also took three third place finishes – at the 1982 Monaco Grand Prix, the 1987 Belgian Grand Prix whilst driving for Brabham, and the 1989 Canadian Grand Prix while driving for Scuderia Italia.
He started his career in 1980 for Alfa Romeo, before moving to McLaren for the 1981 season. Unfortunately he only scored one point that year before moving back to Alfa Romeo for 1982 and 1983. He moved to Ligier for 1984 and 1985, and then drove for Minardi, Brabham, Rial, Scuderia Italia (1989 and 1990), Jordan, and Tyrrell (1992 and 1993), before finishing his career with partial seasons for Jordan and Sauber in 1994.
He played a major role in the Jordan team’s debut season in 1991, and was close to a maiden win in Belgium before his car broke down a few laps from the end.
The thoughts and condolences from everyone at The Checkered Flag go out to de Cesaris’ family and friends at this sad time.
