Rome, 17 August (LaPresse) – The world of sport and motor racing mourns the passing of Alessandro ‘Alex’ Fiorio, who died at the age of 61 following an illness. The former 1987 Group N World Rally Champion is survived by his father Cesare and mother Francesca; his brother Cristiano, with his children Cesare Jr. and Milla; his sister Giorgia; his wife Oxana; and his daughters Mariapaola and Francesca, who had followed him when he moved to Puglia to Masseria Camarda, Cesare Fiorio’s new home. His life was dedicated to sport, beginning with the Italian downhill and giant slalom titles at the age of 17, whilst competing for the Ski Club Cervino, where he had also passed the exams to become a ski instructor. His passion for speed led him to the world of motor racing, and rallying in particular. Fiorio began his career as a rally driver in the early 1980s, competing in the Panda Ice Trophy and later in the Fiat Uno Championship. He subsequently became one of the key figures during the legendary years of the Lancia Delta’s triumphs, always with Gigi Pirollo by his side as co-driver. It was at the wheel of a Jolly Club Delta that he was crowned Group N World Champion at the Rally 1000 Laghi (now the Rally of Finland) following a neck-and-neck battle with Tommy Makinen, a driver who went on to win no fewer than four WRC world titles. In the WRC, Alex finished second behind Miki Biasion in 1989, whilst throughout his career he stood on the podium no fewer than nine times, with six second places and three third places.
Rally: Farewell to Alex Fiorio: former world champion and key figure in the Lancia Delta’s triumphs
Rome, 17 August (LaPresse) – The world of sport and motor racing mourns the passing of Alessandro ‘Alex’ Fiorio, who died at the age of 61 following an illness. The former 1987 Group N World Rally Champion is survived by his father Cesare and mother Francesca; his brother Cristiano, with his children Cesare Jr. and Milla; his sister Giorgia; his wife Oxana; and his daughters Mariapaola and Francesca, who had followed him when he moved to Puglia to Masseria Camarda, Cesare Fiorio’s new home. His life was dedicated to sport, beginning with the Italian downhill and giant slalom titles at the age of 17, whilst competing for the Ski Club Cervino, where he had also passed the exams to become a ski instructor. His passion for speed led him to the world of motor racing, and rallying in particular. Fiorio began his career as a rally driver in the early 1980s, competing in the Panda Ice Trophy and later in the Fiat Uno Championship. He subsequently became one of the key figures during the legendary years of the Lancia Delta’s triumphs, always with Gigi Pirollo by his side as co-driver. It was at the wheel of a Jolly Club Delta that he was crowned Group N World Champion at the Rally 1000 Laghi (now the Rally of Finland) following a neck-and-neck battle with Tommy Makinen, a driver who went on to win no fewer than four WRC world titles. In the WRC, Alex finished second behind Miki Biasion in 1989, whilst throughout his career he stood on the podium no fewer than nine times, with six second places and three third places.