Who was Cedric Sbirrazzuoli? All about the Monegasque GT driver who passed away at 39 on his birthday following wedding in June | International Sports News
Cedric Sbirrazzuoli, the Monegasque GT and endurance racing driver, has died at the age of 39 after a battle with cancer. He passed away on Thursday, August 20, which was also his 39th birthday.Sbirrazzuoli leaves behind his wife Martina, whom he married only last June. His death has led to tributes from teams, teammates and fellow drivers across the motorsport world. Sbirrazzuoli built a varied career across GT and endurance racing. He competed in several major championships and drove Ferrari machinery for AF Corse and Conquest Racing.
Who was Cedric Sbirrazzuoli?
Born in Monaco in 1987, CedricSbirrazzuoli began his racing career in the mid-2000s. He started in single-seaters before moving into closed-wheel racing.His career later included competition in GT4, GT2 and the Porsche Carrera Cup. He also raced in several one-make championships. These included the Maserati Trophy and Lamborghini Super Trofeo.A major step in his career came through his connection with AF Corse. The relationship opened the door to Ferrari’s GT racing programme.Sbirrazzuoli went on to race Ferrari’s 458 Italia GT3, 488 and, more recently, the 296 GT3. He competed in a number of important endurance and GT championships.His racing experience included the European Le Mans Series and Asian Le Mans Series. He also competed in GT World Challenge Europe and America. He raced in the Italian GT Championship before moving into IMSA competition.In 2024, Sbirrazzuoli joined Conquest Racing for the IMSA Endurance Cup. He shared the #34 Ferrari with regular drivers Albert Costa and Manny Franco.The season produced some memorable results. The team secured podium finishes at the 24 Hours of Daytona and Watkins Glen. It then ended the campaign with victory at Petit Le Mans.That win became one of the final major highlights of Sbirrazzuoli’s racing career.
Tributes pour in for Cedric Sbirrazzuoli following his death
AF Corse paid tribute to Cedric Sbirrazzuoli after news of his death.“You were a highly talented, determined and professional driver, with the passion and the will to win that are unique to those who truly love racing. But you were also so much more: a genuine, respectful and cheerful person, capable of bringing wholesome enthusiasm and your own special way of living out your passion for motorsport,” recalled AF Corse following the news of his death.“It was a privilege to work and dream together. Your race came to an end far too soon. Your memory will continue to race on forever. We send our warmest thoughts to your wife, your parents and all your loved ones. Farewell, Cedric. Rest in peace”, the statement read.His former teammates also remembered him with great emotion.Michelle Gatting, an Iron Dames racer, shared a tribute while also remembering Luca Persiani, who died in a tragic accident last year.Costa, who raced alongside Sbirrazzuoli at Conquest Racing, also paid tribute to his friend and teammate.Sbirrazzuoli’s career ended far too soon. But his achievements, especially his Petit Le Mans victory, and the memories he created with his teammates will remain part of his racing legacy.
