Gil de Ferran Passes Away at 56

2003 Indianapolis 500 winner and 2009 American Le Mans Series runner-up Gil de Ferran passed away on Friday at the age of 56.

According to media reports, the French-born Brazilian suffered a heart attack while driving at a private event at The Concourse Club in Opa-Locka, Fla, near Miami.

De Ferran spent the majority of his highly successful career competing in American open wheel racing, most notably winning the Indy 500 in 2003 and claiming two CART titles with Team Penske.

In the latter stages of his driving career, de Ferran moved to join the ALMS with his own de Ferran Motorsports operation, racing with Simon Pagenaud as his co-driver.

De Ferran and Pagenaud finished third overall only behind Team Penske on debut in Utah in 2008 and scored two more podiums for the remainder of the year before going on to contest the full season in 2009, fielding an Acura ARX-02a in the LMP1 class.

A run of four consecutive race victories mid-season, as well as a fifth win in the Laguna Seca season finale, resulted in the runner-up spot in the drivers’ championship.

De Ferran would retire from racing at the end of the year, transitioning to a managerial and consulting role, both in IndyCar as well as in two spells with McLaren.

“We are terribly saddened to hear about today’s tragic passing of Gil de Ferran,” Roger Penske said in a statement.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Angela, Anna, Luke and the entire de Ferran family.

“Gil defined class as driver and as a gentleman. As an IndyCar champion and an Indianapolis 500 winner, Gil accomplished so much during his career, both on and off the track.

“Gil was beloved by so many. He was a great friend to the Team Penske and IndyCar family, as well as the entire international motorsports community.

“Gil’s passing is a terrible loss and he will be deeply missed.”

IMSA President John Doonan added: “All of us in the IMSA family are shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Gil de Ferran.”

“Gil’s unique combination of talent and personality made him a fan favorite and a beloved member of the entire motorsport community.

“He was a worthy champion as a driver and a great competitor as a team owner. He will be sorely missed. We send our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Gil’s wife, Angela, his children – Anna and Luke – and his entire family and many friends.”