Nello Pagani was an Italian motorsport legend—an accomplished Grand Prix motorcycle racer and Formula One driver whose career spanned nearly three decades. Born in Milan, Lombardy, and passing away in nearby Bresso, Pagani embodied the golden era of postwar racing, a man equally at home on two wheels or four.
| Nationality | Italian |
|---|---|
| Born | Cirillo Pagani 11 October 1911 Milan, Italy |
| Died | 19 October 2003 (aged 92) Bresso, Lombardy, Italy |
Pagani’s racing story began in 1928, launching a career that would stretch until 1955. He made history in 1949, becoming the first-ever 125cc World Champion in the inaugural year of the official motorcycle World Championship. That same year, he came heartbreakingly close to securing a rare double crown. Competing in the 500cc class, Pagani finished as runner-up—even though he scored more total points than champion Les Graham. The championship regulations, which only counted a rider’s best three results, left Pagani with two wins and a third place, just shy of Graham’s tally of two wins and a second.
Before his world championship triumphs, Pagani had already proven himself a formidable force on four wheels. In 1947 and 1948, he scored back-to-back victories at the Pau Grand Prix, showcasing the same precision and flair that defined his motorcycle racing. His venture into Formula One came in 1950, when he drove a Simca-Gordini at the 1950 Swiss Grand Prix at Bremgarten on 4 June. He finished seventh, earning no championship points but holding his own in a fiercely competitive field.
In 1952, Pagani tackled the iconic Mille Miglia, finishing second in class behind the wheel of an OSCA. However, his deepest loyalties remained in motorcycle racing. After hanging up his helmet, he transitioned seamlessly into management, taking the helm of the MV Agusta factory team, where his technical insight and racer’s intuition helped shape one of the most dominant forces in motorcycle history.
Pagani’s legacy didn’t end with him. His son, Alberto Pagani, followed in his footsteps to become a successful motorcycle racer in his own right, guaranteeing that the Pagani name remained synonymous with Italian racing.
Nello Pagani Formula One World Championship career
| F1 Career | 1950 |
|---|---|
| Teams | Scuderia Achille Varzi (Maserati) |
| Entries | 1 |
| Championships | 0 |
| Wins | 0 |
| Podiums | 0 |
| Career points | 0 |
| Pole positions | 0 |
| Fastest laps | 0 |
| First entry | 1950 Swiss Grand Prix |
| Last entry | 1950 Swiss Grand Prix |
Nello Pagani Teammates
| 1 driver | Involvement | First Year | Last Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jose Froilan Gonzalez | 1 | 1950 |
