Mike Sparken — the racing name used by French driver Michel Poberejsky — was one of the colourful privateer racers of the 1950s, a competitor whose career was built less on Formula One fame and more on endurance, adaptability, and success in the demanding world of sports car racing.
Driver Bio
| Nationality | French |
| Birthplace | Neuilly-sur-Seine, France |
| Born | 16 June 1930 |
| Died | 21 September 2012 |
| First Grand Prix | 1955 British Grand Prix |
| Last Grand Prix | 1955 British Grand Prix |
| Years Active | 1955 |
| Current/Last Team | Gordini |
Born in Neuilly-sur-Seine, in the Hauts-de-Seine region of France, Poberejsky adopted the pseudonym “Mike Sparken” during his racing career, a practice not uncommon among drivers of the era who often preferred more memorable or internationally marketable names. Under that identity, he became a familiar figure in European and North African motorsport throughout the 1950s.
Although his Formula One World Championship career officially lasted just a single race, Sparken still earned his place in F1 history. He made his one and only World Championship appearance at the 1955 British Grand Prix on 16 July. Competing against some of the greatest drivers and factory teams of the era, Sparken finished seventh despite ending the race nine laps behind the leaders.
Where Sparken truly made his name, however, was in sports car racing. He became particularly well known for his performances in North African events.
Grand Prix Stats
| Race Entries | 1 |
| Race Starts | 1 |
| Did Not Start | 0 |
| Best Race Start | 23rd |
| Best Race Finish | 7th |
| Retirements | 0 |
| First-Lap Retirements | 0 |
| Not Classified | 0 |
| Disqualified | 0 |
| Did Not Qualify | 0 |
Qualifying
| Qualifying Sessions | 1 |
| Reached Q3 | 0 |
| Q2 Eliminations | 0 |
| Q1 Eliminations | 0 |
| Did Not Qualify | 0 |
