Remembering Franco Cortese: Ferrari's First Winner and His Opatija Victory
Franco Cortese, the first driver to win a race for Ferrari, also triumphed at Opatija's Preluk circuit in 1956. Today marks the 40th anniversary of his death.
Illustration: AI-generated image
On this day in 1986, Franco Cortese, the man who gave Ferrari its first taste of victory, passed away. While his name is etched in motorsport history, few remember that one of his final wins came right here in Croatia, on the scenic Preluk circuit in Opatija.
Born in 1903 in Oggebbio, Italy, Cortese was a quiet and reserved driver whose career spanned over three decades. He competed in 156 races, including the legendary Mille Miglia and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. But his greatest claim to fame came in 1947, when Enzo Ferrari personally selected him to drive the marque's first car, the 125 S.
After a disappointing debut in Piacenza, where a fuel pump failure forced him to retire while leading, Cortese made history just two weeks later. On 25 May 1947, at the Grand Prix of Rome held around the Baths of Caracalla, he drove the Ferrari 125 S to victory, securing the very first win for the Prancing Horse.
That year, Cortese added further wins in Vercelli and Varese, cementing Ferrari's early reputation. He left Ferrari in 1949 but returned in 1953, driving models like the 250 MM, 166 MM and 500 Mondial. In 1951, he also won the prestigious Targa Florio driving a Frazer Nash.
One of his last triumphs came on 10 June 1956 at the Preluk circuit in Opatija, Croatia. Driving a Ferrari 500 TR, Cortese took the chequered flag in what was then Yugoslavia, adding a Croatian chapter to his storied career. The Preluk circuit, known for its challenging coastal layout, hosted many international races in the 1950s, and Cortese's victory there remains a memorable moment for local motorsport fans.
Cortese retired from racing in 1958 and passed away in Milan on 13 November 1986. As Ferrari celebrates its rich history, the connection to Opatija is a proud reminder that even the smallest circuits can witness greatness.
Today, on the 40th anniversary of his death, we remember Franco Cortese not only as Ferrari's first winner but also as a driver who left his mark on Croatian soil.
