GT and endurance racer Cedric Sbirrazzuoli handed away on Thursday 20 August, his thirty ninth birthday. The Monegasque driver died following a most cancers analysis, and leaves behind his spouse Martina, whom he married final June.
Born in 1987, Sbirrazzuoli’s racing profession started within the mid-2000s in single-seaters, earlier than shifting on to closed-wheel racing, competing in GT4, GT2 and the Porsche Carrera Cup.
He subsequently competed in different one-make collection such because the Maserati Trophy and the Lamborghini Tremendous Trofeo, but it surely was his affiliation with AF Corse that opened the doorways to the world of Ferrari for him, incomes him seats within the 458 Italia GT3, the 488 and, extra lately, the 296.
His motorsport profession noticed him compete within the European and Asian LMS, the GT World Problem Europe and America, the Italian GT Championship and, extra lately, in IMSA, the place in 2024 he contested the Endurance Cup in Conquest Racing’s #34 Ferrari alongside common drivers Albert Costa and Manny Franco, securing podium finishes at Daytona and Watkins Glen earlier than profitable the Petit Le Mans.
“You have been a extremely proficient, decided {and professional} driver, with the fervour and the need to win which can be distinctive to those that actually love racing. However you have been additionally a lot extra: a real, respectful and cheerful particular person, able to bringing healthful enthusiasm and your individual particular way of life out your ardour for motorsport,” recalled AF Corse following the information of his dying.
“It was a privilege to work and dream collectively. Your race got here to an finish far too quickly. Your reminiscence will proceed to race on eternally. We ship our warmest ideas to your spouse, your dad and mom and all of your family members. Farewell, Cedric. Relaxation in peace.”
#34 Conquest Racing Ferrari 296 GT3: Cedric Sbirrazzuoli
Picture by: James Gilbert – Motorsport Photos
Iron Dames racer Michelle Gatting additionally shared her personal tribute to Sbirrazzuoli this week, and took the chance to additionally keep in mind Luca Persiani, who died in a tragic accident final 12 months.
“Right now, Luca was joined in heaven by his shut good friend Cedric,” she mentioned. “It’s extremely arduous to imagine that one other actually wonderful human being has left this world far too quickly.
“Cedric fought most cancers with every thing he had, however sadly, it was a battle he couldn’t win. What I do know is that he lived his life to the fullest – and perhaps that’s one thing we should always all carry with us. As a result of rattling, life might be so extremely quick.
“Now there are two wonderful human beings up there, reunited, wanting down on us – most likely hoping that we benefit from each second, giggle slightly louder, love slightly tougher, and reside life simply as totally as they did.”
Costa, who raced alongside Sbirrazzuoli for Ferrari-Conquest in IMSA, added: “Relaxation in peace, my good friend. I’ve no phrases to explain how I really feel. You have been an unbelievable good friend and an excellent team-mate. We gained our final race collectively; I’m positive that in Heaven you’ll proceed to present it your all. This weekend I’ll be racing for you – we’ll miss you, Cedric.”
#34 Conquest Racing Ferrari 296 GT3: Manny Franco, Albert Costa Balboa, Cedric Sbirrazzuoli
Picture by: Richard Dole / Motorsport Photos
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