Guerino Bertocchi Explained

Guerino Bertocchi
Birth Name:Guarino Bertocchi
Birth Date:29 October 1907
Birth Place:Budrio
Death Place:Modena
Nationality:Italian
Other Names:Guerrino
Occupation:Mechanic and racing driver
Years Active:1926–1963
Known For:Association with Maserati

Guerino Bertocchi (October 29, 1907 – April 13, 1981) was an Italian mechanic and racing driver known for his lifelong association with Maserati.[1]

Bertocchi was born in Budrio, near Bologna. His younger brother, Gino, was also a mechanic. Initially employed at the Maserati factory, Bertocchi debuted as a mechanic and co-driver alongside Alfieri Maserati in the 1926 Targa Florio.[2] In 1947 he was promoted to the role of chief mechanic and test driver of the Maserati Formula One team, as well as testing road cars like the 5000 GT. In 195 and 97 he ran the car that gave Juan Manuel Fangio his third and fifth world titles. Fangio came to depending on Bertocchi to test the car, to the extent of declaring that he wouldn't drive a car if Bertocchi did not test it before.[3]

Bertocchi's only Formula One entry as a driver is the 1954 Spanish Grand Prix as a reserve driver. However, all Maserati-drivers started the race and Bertocchi never entered a Formula One race again.

Between 1931 and 1963 he competed thirteen times in the Mille Miglia, once in the Targa Florio, once in the 12 Hours of Pescara and once in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Although officially employed as a running mechanic, Bertocchi would often share driving duties. Bertocchi's best result was in 1953, when together with Emilio Giletti they finished sixth.[4]

Bertocchi worked for Maserati until 1971, when the company was bought by Citroën. He then moved to De Tomaso Automobili, where he led the company client's car testing department.

Complete results

Year Date Race Entrant Car Teammate Result
1931 April 12 22nd
1932 April 10 20th
1933 April 9 DNF
1934 April 8 5th
1935 April 14 7th
1936 April 5 5th
1947 June 22 DNF
1948 April 4 Scuderia Ambrosiana
May 2 Alberto Ascari
1953 April 26 6th
August 15
1954 May 2 none DNF
1955 May 1 none
1956 April 29 20th
1957 May 12 4th
1963 June 16 Johnny Simon DNF

Notes and References

  1. https://www.the-intercooler.com/library/features/the-remarkable-life-of-guerino-bertocchi/
  2. http://www.racingsportscars.com/driver/archive/Guerino-Bertocchi-I.html
  3. http://www.motorsportmemorial.org/LWFWIW/focusLWFWIW.php?db2=LWF&db=ct&n=193
    • http://www.maserati-indy.co.uk/alfieri70.htm