Libero Liberati

Libero Liberati (20 September 1926 – 5 March 1962) was an Italian former professional motorcycle road racer. He competed in the FIM Grand Prix motorcycle racing world championships from 1952 to 1959, most prominently as a member of the Gilera factory racing team where he won the 1957 500cc world championships.

Liberati was born in Terni. He became famous in his country, winning the Italian championship in 1948. Two years later Moto Guzzi called him to race in the 500cc World Championship, where he took part in a single race. The same happened the following year with Gilera. Liberati scored his first points in the World Championship in 1953, and his first race victory came in 1956 in the 350cc class.

In 1957, Liberati won the 500cc World Championship, scoring a total of four victories. He also won a race in the 350cc class. However, at the end of the season, a dispute with the Gilera factory left him without a ride. Two years later Moto Morini gave him the opportunity to race again, this time in the 250cc class.

On 5 March 1962, Liberati died from an accident during a training session on the Strada statale 209 Valnerina[it], violently hitting his head after slipping on the wet road.

Motorcycle Grand Prix results

Source:

(key) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap)