We regret to report the death of Phil Hill, 1961 Formula One World Champion, the first American to win the title.

In addition to his success in F1, Hill was a master in Sports Cars, winning numerous classic races, including three victories in the Le Mans 24-Hour race.

For many, Hill is synonymous with Ferrari, the team with which he won his '61 title, driving the iconic 156 Sharknose.

Hill, who was born in Miami in 1927, and had been suffering from Parkinson's disease, died earlier today at the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula in California.

On hearing the sad news, Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo issued the following statement on behalf of the team with which Mr Hill enjoyed so much success:

"I, as well as all employees of Ferrari are extremely saddened by the news of the passing of Phil Hill, a man and a champion who gave so much to Ferrari and who has always greatly represented the company's values inside and outside the racing track. Phil Hill raced and won many competitions both with prototype cars, like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 12 Hours of Sebring, won three times each, as well as with F1 single seaters.

With our car, Phil won the Formula One Championship title in 1961 as the first American-born to reach this result. Phil and I have always kept in touch throughout the years and I know I will miss his passion and love for Ferrari very much.

My deepest sympathies are with his wife Alma and son Derek in this sad moment."

Pitpass and its readers send there sincere condolences to his family and mourn the passing of a great all-round driver and champion.