Lombardi, Lella (1941–1992)

views updated

Lombardi, Lella (1941–1992)

Italian racing-car driver. Born Maria Grazia Lombardi, Mar 26, 1941, in Frugarolo, Italy; died of cancer, Mar 3, 1992, in Milan.

Internationally famous racer, known as "the Tigress of Turin," who was the 1st woman to compete in US Grand Prix, came up through the ranks in European Formula car racing; started in Formula Italia, the Italian single-seaters which use the Fiat 850 engine, and from there went into Formula Three and finally Formula 5000; quickly developed an international reputation for skill and daring; made 1st Formula One outing at the wheel of a Brabham in the British Grand Prix and just missed qualifying (1974); finished 6th in Spanish Grand Prix (1975), and soon after became the 1st woman to score a point counting toward the world-driving championship; at Watkins Glen, competed in US Grand Prix (1975).

See also Women in World History.