Jose Froilan Gonzalez, the first Ferrari driver to score a victory in Formula One, died on June 15 at the age of 90 years.
Argentine rider died of respiratory failure at his home in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and he is the oldest F1 driver remaining. After his death, the title now held by Sir Jack Brabham who is currently 87 years old.
Gonzales made his racing debut in F1 for Scuderia Achille Varzi in the 1950 Monaco Grand Prix. But first victory was achieved the following year when he competes for Scuderia Ferrari at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone in 1950.
He also has one more victory in F1 throughout his career following 26 games consisting of 9 seasons. He also managed to secure a victory in the Le Mans 24 Hour race in 1954.
He closes his racing career in F1 in 1960 in the Argentine Grand Prix.
Over the years, Gonzales remains familiar with Ferrari. In fact, he also attended the celebration of the 60th anniversary of his victory at the 1951 British Grand Prix held by Ferrari in 2011 ago. Here are excerpts of the interview that was made on that day:
"I just realized what it means to win at this race next Wednesday when I met Don Enzo (Enzo Ferrari) at Maranello. In his office there is a large photo of the victory behind his desk," said Gonzales.
"He then asked me to sign the photo and giving details about the race and then he gave a gold watch I picture Horses Prance," he continued.
"In just three days later, I had really understood that it was a special victory. Ferrari was at the peak of the automotive world. Those I do, it always make me proud that I managed to win first," recalls Gonzales.
