Asdrúbal Fontes Bayardo

Asdrúbal Esteban Fontes Bayardo, known as 'Pocho' (26 December 1922, Pan de Azúcar, Uruguay - 9 July 2006, Montevideo, Uruguay), was a racing driver who became one of Uruguay's most accomplished motorsport competitors. During the mid to late 1950s, Fontes Bayardo participated in the fiercely competitive Argentine Formula Libre series, which was gradually evolving to full Formula One regulations. His machinery reflected his innovative spirit: he famously campaigned a Maserati 4CLT powered by a V8 Chevrolet engine, demonstrating the creative engineering solutions common in South American racing. This hybrid machine proved highly successful, delivering Fontes Bayardo his greatest triumph when he won the inaugural race at Montevideo's El Pinar circuit in October 1956.

He repeated his success in November 1957, winning at Brazil's Interlagos circuit with the same car, establishing himself as a formidable competitor in South American Formula Libre racing. In 1959, Fontes Bayardo traveled to Europe with aspirations of competing in the Formula One World Championship. Driving an elderly Maserati 250F for Scuderia Centro Sud, he attempted to qualify for the 1959 French Grand Prix but recorded no time and failed to qualify, ending his Formula One ambitions. Returning to South America, he continued competing in Formula Libre and expanded into endurance racing throughout the 1960s.

Beyond racing, Fontes Bayardo became a successful businessman, working as a concessionaire for General Motors in various Uruguayan cities. He also served as a director for a company producing Opel-based pickup trucks under the 'Marina' name. He died at his Montevideo home in July 2006. His legacy in Uruguayan motorsport is commemorated by the Piriapolis street circuit, which bears his name.