Guerino Bertocchi | |
|---|---|
 Bertocchi (center) in Piacenza with the Maserati A6 CS and driver Mario Angiolini, 11 May 1947 | |
| Born | Guarino Bertocchi October 29, 1907 |
| Died | April 13, 1981 (aged 73) |
| Nationality | Italian |
| Other names | Guerrino |
| Occupation(s) | 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.