Emanuele Pirro

Emanuele Pirro (12 January 1962 - Present): Italian racing driver from Rome who competed in Formula One from 1989 to 1991 with Benetton, Dallara, and Scuderia Italia, but found far greater success in endurance racing, winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans five times and becoming one of sports car racing's greatest champions. Made his Formula One debut at the 1989 French Grand Prix with Benetton as a replacement driver, competing in 37 Grands Prix across three seasons without scoring championship points. His best F1 qualifying position was 11th at the 1991 Australian Grand Prix. Struggled to make an impact in Formula One with consistently uncompetitive machinery, and his grand prix career ended after the 1991 season.

However, Pirro's post-Formula One career proved extraordinarily successful, particularly in sports car racing. Moved to the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM, German Touring Car Championship), where he found immediate success, winning races and establishing himself as a touring car star. His greatest achievements came in endurance racing, particularly with Audi Sport. Won the 24 Hours of Le Mans an impressive five times: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2006, and 2007, all driving for Audi, making him one of the most successful drivers in the race's modern history.

Also won the American Le Mans Series championship five times, dominating the series throughout the 2000s with Audi. His technical feedback and development work were instrumental in Audi's dominance of endurance racing during the early 2000s, helping develop the revolutionary R8 prototype that transformed sports car racing. Beyond his driving achievements, Pirro became a highly respected racing instructor and consultant, working with Ferrari and other manufacturers. Also became an FIA steward, officiating at Formula One races and bringing his professional racing experience to race control decisions.

Known for his intelligence, technical understanding, and analytical approach to racing, Pirro's career demonstrates that Formula One is not the only path to motorsport greatness, and his endurance racing legacy far exceeds his limited grand prix achievements.