Gil de Ferran, Brazilian driver who won the Indianapolis 500, dies – 12/29/2023 – Sport

Pilot Gil de Ferran died this Friday (29), aged 56. According to information from the Associated Press agency, the Brazilian suffered a cardiac arrest while driving in Florida, in the United States.

Winner of the Indianapolis 500 in 2003, he also won British Formula 3 and was two-time champion of CART, currently known as the IndyCar Series.

In an interview with the agency, fellow Brazilian driver Tony Kanaan said that Ferran was testing a car on the private circuit The Concours Club, in Opa-Locka, when he felt unwell and stopped at the pit entrance. He was taken to the hospital, but did not survive.

“He was one of my best friends and we grew up together and lately we have worked together at McLaren,” said Kanaan. “I lost a dear friend. I’m devastated. I have to say it was Gil style, driving a race car. If I could choose a path to follow, that’s what I could do.”

Gil de Ferran leaves his wife, Angela, and children Anna and Luke.

The pilot was born in Paris, France, but considered himself Brazilian. Son of Luc de Ferran, a Ford engineer who created the Ecosport, he came to live in Brazil when he was four years old. Upon starting his karting career, he decided to represent the country.

Before his success in Indy, the driver tested in F1 for the Arrows team, but, during one of the heats, he suffered an accident. The injuries caused Gil to lose his chance in F1. In 1995, he went to the USA, where he joined IndyCar.

On social media, several pilots mourned Gil’s death. Felipe Massa wrote that he also lost “a brother” and wished the whole family strength.

On its official profile, McLaren also mourned the death of the Brazilian who currently worked as a consultant for the team. “Everyone at McLaren Racing is shocked and deeply saddened to learn that we have lost a beloved member of our McLaren family.”

In a statement, the Brazilian Automobile Confederation said it received the news of the driver’s death with “deep sadness” and recalled Gil’s main titles defending the colors of Brazil.

“Gil de Ferran shone on Brazilian and international tracks, with emphasis on the British Formula 3 title, his second Indy championship (under the CART banner) and victory in the 2003 Indy 500. He also won as a driver and team owner in Endurance American. Currently, he worked for the McLaren team as one of”, cited the entity.

Palmeiras also spoke out, recalling that the driver was a fan of the team. “Palmeirense, made history in motorsport by winning the Indianapolis 500, in the USA, and becoming two-time Formula Indy champion. We pay our condolences to his family, friends and fans”, wrote the club in X.

See the full note from the Brazilian Automobile Confederation

The Brazilian Automobile Confederation receives with deep sadness the news of the death, in the United States, of Brazilian driver Gil de Ferran, on the afternoon of this Friday, 29th.

At the age of 56, completed on November 11th, Gil was the victim of a heart attack in a private motorsport club, located in Opa Locka, Florida. Promptly rescued, he was taken to a hospital in the region, but he did not survive.

Gil de Ferran shone on Brazilian and international tracks, with emphasis on the British Formula 3 title, his second Indy championship (under the CART banner) and victory in the 2003 Indy 500. He also won as a driver and team owner in the American Endurance . He currently worked for the McLaren team as one of its directors.

On behalf of myself and the entire CBA family, we pray to God to receive our brother with all the glories and support his family, friends and millions of fans around the world.