Michele Rugolo

Michele Rugolo is an Italian racing driver.

Career

Formula Renault

After competing in karting championships from 1992 to 1999, Rugolo competed in the Formula Renault 2000 Italy from 2000 to 2002, and then switched to Formula Nissan part-way through 2002.

Sports Cars

Rugolo competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2003 [24 Hours of Le Mans|2003], finishing 11th overall in a Durango-Judd. In 2005 [American Le Mans Series season|2005], he competed in the American Le Mans Series, driving a Dodge Viper GTS-R. For 2007, he competed in the GT2 class of the FIA GT Championship, and moved into the International GT Open championship the following year.
Rugolo joined Krohn Racing in 2011 for its Intercontinental Le Mans Cup GTE-Am class effort, which saw class wins at the Twelve Hours of Sebring and Petit Le Mans. Rugolo, Tracy Krohn and Nic Jonsson helped take the team to a second-place finish in the class championship.
In 2012, Rugolo wwould return to Krohn Racing in the FIA World Endurance Championship.
On Wednesday before the 2017 24 Hours of Le Mans, Lucas di Grassi wasn't able to get fast enough out of the car due to an ankle injury. Rugolo was asked to step in at the last moment, to replace Lucas di Grassi.

Formula Three

Rugolo has also competed in single seaters, coming fourth in Italian Formula Three in both 2004 and 2006.

Formula 3000

Rugolo's success in F3 and connections with Durango, who also ran a Formula 3000 team, saw him called up to the series for the final race of the 2004 season; his home race at Monza. He retired from the race.

A1 Grand Prix

Rugolo was also one of A1 Team Italy's drivers for the 2006-07 A1 [Grand Prix season|2006–07 season], although he did not compete in a race in favour of Enrico Toccacelo or Alessandro Pier Guidi.