Death of former pilot Michel Ferté

Former racing driver Michel Ferté died on January 4 of a long illness, at the age of 64. Michel Ferté has taken part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans 13 times. He finished 2nd in the mythical Sarthe race in 1991.

After the deaths of Patrick Tambay and Philippe Streiff at the end of 2022, the world of motorsport is once again in mourning. Michel Ferté died this Wednesday January 4, 2023 at Le Mans. The Norman pilot, who had blown his 64 candles at the beginning of December, died following a long illness, report several regional media including Free Maine. The former car racer had notably participated thirteen times in the legendary 24-hour race at Le Mans, in which he finished second in 1991.

Michel Ferté, the single-seater adventurer

Michel Ferté, brother of Alain Ferté, another renowned racing driver, was born on December 8, 1958 in Falaise in Calvados. After having started in karting during his childhood, he became known at the wheel of a Ferrari in 1980, which led him to numerous successes in Formula 2, Formula 3 and Formula 3000. He plans to become a Formula 1 driver in the stride when he joined Ligier in 1983, but he remained a test driver for 3 years without competing in any Grand Prix. He tried to bounce back by joining Formula 3000 where he stabilized in 5th place in the standings in 1985 and 1986. In 1990, he was vice-champion of France in FIA SuperTourism with BMW. He ended up winning a title in the BPR European Championship in 1992. At the top of his game, Ferté then set himself the challenge of competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. He participated 13 times between 1983 and 2003, with the best result being second place in 1991.

Les Ferté, a family of pilots who had tar in their blood

Michel Ferté will have driven very fine cars throughout his fruitful career: a Jaguar XJR-12 with a V12 engine on the day of his 2nd place at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, a Venturi 600 LM in 1994, Ferrari F40 LM in 1995 and in 1996, the Ferrari 333 SP in 1997 and 1998 and, finally, the Ferrari 550 Maranello in 2003 during its last participation in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. A fast and efficient driver, Michel Ferté left strong memories in the paddock. Like his brother Alain, born October 8, 1955 in Falaise.