Mauro Forghieri, a former Ferrari engineer passed away at the age of 87. He worked as a technical chief from 1962 to 1984 and helped Ferrari to lift four driver’s titles, seven constructors’ crowns and 54 Grand Prix victories.
Forghieri, born in Modena, followed the footsteps of his father as he joined the team after graduating from the University of Bologna in 1959 with a mechanical degree. He initially worked as an apprentice and rose to the rank of chief engineer in October 1961. He took over the reins from chief designer Carlo Chiti, who departed from the team.
Ferrari founder Enzo Ferrari urged Forghieri to work on the technical aspects. He was responsible for creating the V8-powered 158, which won the world title in 1964. In the year 1975, the transverse-gearboxed 312 T helped them to win the championship, with Niki Lauda bringing the much-needed glory to the team. The 312 series helped Ferrari to win three drivers' and four constructors' titles from 1975-79.
The official Twitter account of Ferrari took to Twitter, and said, "Legends last forever. Remembering Mauro Forghieri. 1935 - 2022. It’s been an honour making history together. Ferrari and the world of motorsport will never forget you."
He left his position as a technical director in 1984 while focussing
on the concept of the Ferrari 408 4RM car. After completing the project
successfully, he left the team in 1987. He then worked at Lamborghini and
worked on their V12 engine raced in F1 in 1989 and 1990.
He also designed the 250 GTO GT car, which is the most
expensive car, which was sold for a whopping $48.4 million in the auction.