Dario Benuzzi (born January 1946)[1] is an Italiantest driver, best known for his employment atFerrari, a manufacturer of sports cars in Italy. He has tested every production model following theDino road cars as well as the company'sFormula One cars.[2] As a chief test driver, he is responsible for its development work that involves spending five to six hours in a car daily at Ferrari'sprivate track and on the road, then giving feedback to his team of test drivers and car engineers.[3]
Originally from the neighbouringVignola, his career with the factory began in 1971 when as a mechanic,[3] he applied for a job at Ferrari and soon, he began working in its prototype department. He gradually progressed from mechanic to trainee test driver under the auspice of chief test driverRoberto Lippi.[4]
From the late 1980s[3] to 1993, whenNicola Larini stepped in, Benuzzi was the test driver for Ferrari'sFormula One cars. Benuzzi was one of theOlympic torch bearer at theMaranello leg for the2006 Winter Olympics, handing it to fellow test driver,Luca Badoer.[5] Benuzzi was named one of the "Men of the Year 2011" byTop Gear for beating unruly Ferraris into shape for 40 long years.
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