STORY OF THE DAY: An Italian Wins for Ferrari

On 29 April 1984, Michelle Alboreto won the Belgian Grand Prix at Zolder from pole position in Ferrari 126 C4 number 27. He became the first Italian driver to win a Formula One World Championship Grand Prix for Ferrari since Ludovico Scarfiotti at Monza in 1966.

Alboreto led all 70 laps and retained command through the pit-stop sequence. Derek Warwick finished second for Renault, more than forty seconds behind, while teammate Rene Arnoux completed Ferrari’s strong result in third after late problems eliminated Nelson Piquet and delayed Keke Rosberg.

The 126 C4 was an evolution of Ferrari’s turbocharged C-series. Its carbon-composite chassis housed a 1.5-litre twin-turbo V6, while revised bodywork and aerodynamics sought to improve efficiency under the flat-bottom regulations. Strong engine performance made it especially effective on Zolder’s acceleration zones.

Born in Milan, Alboreto progressed through Formula Three and sports cars before winning Grands Prix with Tyrrell. He joined Ferrari in 1984 as the first Italian regular driver for the Scuderia in many years. Victory at Zolder, achieved from his first Formula One pole, immediately established his place at the centre of Italian motor-racing expectations.