Giulio Cabianca: A Brief F1 Career
Giulio Cabianca, born on 19 February 1923 in Verona, Italy, was a Formula One driver whose career, though brief, left a mark in the world of motorsports. Cabianca’s journey in Formula One began with his debut at the 1958 Monaco Grand Prix. During his career, he participated in four World Championship Grands Prix, driving for teams such as O.S.C.A., non-works Maserati, and Cooper. Despite a limited number of entries, he managed to score a total of three championship points. His career in Formula One, spanning from 1958 to 1960, was a testament to his skill and determination in a highly competitive era of motorsport.
Cabianca’s career was not just limited to Formula One; he also achieved notable success in other racing events. One of his significant victories was at the Dolomites Gold Cup Race in 1955, showcasing his versatility and prowess in different racing formats. However, his career in Formula One did not see him reaching the podium, reflecting the challenges and competitiveness of the sport during that period.
Tragically, Cabianca’s life and career were cut short in a bizarre incident at the Modena Autodrome test track in Italy on 15 June 1961. At the age of 38, he was involved in a fatal accident while testing a Cooper-Ferrari F1 car. A suspected gearbox failure led to his car going off track, resulting in a collision that claimed his life and the lives of several others. This incident marked a somber end to the career of a promising driver and served as a reminder of the inherent dangers of motorsport.
Career Stats
| Year | Team | Chassis | Engine | Entries | Starts | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1958 | O.S.C.A., Maserati | O.S.C.A. (F2), Maserati 250F | O.S.C.A. Straight-4, Maserati Straight-6 | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| 1959 | Ottorino Volonterio | Maserati 250F | Maserati Straight-6 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 1960 | Scuderia Castellotti | Cooper T51 | Ferrari Straight-4 | 1 | 1 | 3 |