Like most in the motorsports world, I was shocked and saddened to hear of Gil de Ferran’s death the other day. He was a two-time IndyCar Champion and winner of the 2003 Indianapolis 500. He also raced in the American Le Mans Series. More than that though, he was a decent guy who was admired by fellow drivers and team personnel world-wide. There will be a lot more written about him in the coming days and weeks, he will be missed.
Credit: Mitch Doner
Copyright: CC BY-SA 3.0
While de Ferran tested Formula One cars before coming to the US to race, he never started a grand prix. He was a driver that was good, but just not quite good enough to get a race seat over in Europe, where he raced in F3 and Formula 3000. That’s no dishonor though, during those years Formula 3000 was a highly competitive series. Gil had to go up against many strong drivers who either eventually went on to race in F1 or who drove in CART/ChampCar/IRL/IndyCar like he did. Let’s look at some of his contemporaries from 1993-1994:
- Pedro Diniz – F1
- Jan Lammers – Prototypes
- David Coulthard – F1
- Olivier Panis – F1
- Max Papis – CART
- Jean-Christophe Boullion – F1
- Tarso Marques – F1
- Allan McNish – F1 and Prototypes
- Kenny Bräck – CART
- Taki Inoue – F1
During this era; Lola and Reynard were providing chassis while Ford Cosworth and Zytek Judd supplied engines. Many of the teams were both well-funded and well-run outfits too. It was finishing school for many top-tier drivers who went on to success in other series. This was why drivers like Papis, Bräck, and de Ferran did well in the US; they honed their skills in Formula 3000.
During this era, I followed Formula 3000 as best I could. For US fans, it was mostly via magazine articles and later via the internet. It was a great way to catch a glimpse of some future F1 and CART talents. Gil was one who came to the US and won a race in his first two seasons. Some were surprised at this newcomer from Brazil, but some of us already knew that de Ferran was talented behind the wheel. He could step right in and race with the established stars, which is why I liked him.
One example of this was the 1999 Budweiser/G.I. Joe’s 200 at Portland International Raceway. He was going up against Juan Pablo Montoya and Dario Franchitti for the win. Gil won because while the other drivers opted to conserve fuel and do two pit stops, he went all out and built up enough of a lead so he could do three pit stops and win. As a fan, I love to see all-out racing and gutsy strategy calls; it was great to see him take that victory!
Plus, de Ferran always seemed pleasant during interviews and events. He struck me as a gentleman racer who could go after you hard in the race but would be the first one to shake your hand afterwards. I think that’s why he was so well respected worldwide, he was a decent human being who didn’t let fierce competition overpower his senses. It says a lot about his character and was encouraging to see, hopefully other drivers noticed and learned from his example.
While it breaks my heart to hear of his passing, Gil made a positive difference during his life. Not only was he a great driver, he was an effective leader and consultant (BAR and McLaren). Most importantly though, he was a good husband and father who managed to have a successful family life in addition to a racing career. In the end, that is the most important legacy any man can create.
Goodbye Gil.
