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

Guerino Bertocchi
Bertocchi (center) in Piacenza with the Maserati A6 CS and driver Mario Angiolini, 11 May 1947
Born
Guarino Bertocchi

(1907-10-29)October 29, 1907
DiedApril 13, 1981(1981-04-13) (aged 73)
NationalityItalian
Other namesGuerrino
Occupation(s)Mechanic and racing driver
Years active1926–1963
Known forAssociation with Maserati

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

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Year Date Race Entrant Car Teammate Result
1931 April 12 Mille Miglia Giuseppe Tuffanelli Maserati 26C 1100 Giuseppe Tuffanelli 22nd
1932 April 10 Maserati 4CTR 1100 20th
1933 April 9 Maserati 4CS 1100 DNF
1934 April 8 Piero Taruffi 5th
1935 April 14 Ettore Bianco 7th
1936 April 5 Maserati 4CS 1500 Omobono Tenni 5th
1947 June 22 Maserati A6GCS Luigi Villoresi DNF
1948 April 4 Targa Florio Scuderia Ambrosiana
May 2 Mille Miglia Alberto Ascari
1953 April 26 Emilio Giletti 6th
August 15 12 Hours of Pescara Officine Alfieri Maserati Luigi Musso
1954 May 2 Mille Miglia none DNF
1955 May 1 Maserati none
1956 April 29 Officine Alfieri Maserati Maserati 150S Jean Behra 20th
1957 May 12 Maserati 300S Giorgio Scarlatti 4th
1963 June 16 24 Hours of Le Mans Johnny Simon Maserati Tipo 151 André Simon
Lloyd Casner
DNF

References

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