Franco Rol

Franco Rol (5 June 1908 - 18 June 1977): Franco Rol was an Italian aristocrat and gentleman racer from Turin who epitomized the elegance and style of early motorsport, famously racing wearing silk shirts rather than overalls. Born into privilege, Rol pursued racing as a passion rather than a profession, competing in the immediate post-war era with distinction. World War II had barely ended when Rol began his motorsport career in sports cars, initially driving a Gordini before switching to an Alfa Romeo 6C-2500. The 1949 season brought him considerable success, including a second-place finish at the prestigious Targa Florio and third place in the legendary Mille Miglia, despite being delayed by an accident in the latter event.

These results established him as a driver of genuine talent. Rol's Formula One World Championship career spanned from 1950 to 1952, during which he participated in five Grands Prix, though he scored no championship points. His debut at the 1950 Monaco Grand Prix ended prematurely when he was caught up in the infamous first-lap pile-up at Tabac corner. Forced to miss the Swiss Grand Prix due to injuries from Monaco, he returned to retire from two further championship starts that year in France and Italy, driving for Maserati.

In 1951, Rol returned at the Italian Grand Prix with the brand-new OSCA 4500G, recording the only finish of his five-race Grand Prix career with an uncompetitive ninth and last place. When the World Championship switched to Formula 2 regulations in 1952, Rol entered a works Maserati A6GCM at the Italian Grand Prix but retired from the race. In 1953, Rol purchased a Ferrari 250MM and participated in the Targa Florio with co-driver Adolfo Macchieraldo. However, he suffered serious injuries in a massive crash during this event.

After recovering from his injuries, Rol made the decision to retire from racing and return to his business activities. Tragically, on 18 June 1977, Rol was killed in a boat accident off Rapallo at the age of 69, a poignant end for a man who had survived the dangers of 1950s motorsport only to die in a leisure activity decades later. Rol remains remembered as a stylish gentleman racer who brought elegance and aristocratic flair to the early days of World Championship Formula One.