Roberto and Andrea Vesco, father and son in race number 46, are the winners of the 1000 Miglia 2020: after more than 1700 km through half of Italy, they have beaten everyone and won the competition at the wheel of an Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Zagato of 1929 of Team Villa Trasqua. The Vesco are not new to the 1000 Miglia podium. Both of them had already won the Freccia Rossa in the past but never together racing in the same crew. As they recalled when they passed on the platform of viale Venezia in Brescia, the dream of victory has returned again after three years since Andrea Vesco’s last triumph, who obtained third place in 2018 and second place last year while his father Roberto had won in 1993.
A tough edition for the weather conditions in some moments adverse and a challenging route especially in some evening passages, such as the Passo della Cisa crossed in the dark and in the middle of the fog in the final part of the third stage. Of the 356 cars that started, 296 crossed the finish line at the end of the race.
The second position was won by Sergio Sisti (winner in 2001) and Anna Gualandi, at the wheel of a Lancia Lambda Spider Casaro of 1929 (number 45), while the third place went to Gianmaria Fontanella and Anna Maria Covelli, also in a Lancia Lambda Casaro VII Serie of 1927 (competing with number 28), who promised battle also in the future.
The arrival in viale Venezia in Brescia was also animated by the presence of Eddie Irvine, unforgettable champion of the Ferrari team in F1, who jokingly promised to compete in the 1000 Miglia within 5 years.
More than 45 hours of driving through 245 Italian municipalities allowed Silvia Marini and Francesca Ruggeri to win the “Coppa delle Dame”, the first all-female crew to finish the 1000 Miglia with an excellent 24th place at the wheel of the Bugatti T40 of 1929 racing with the number 43, beating Federica Bignetti Bignetti and Rossella Torri on the MG TB of 1949.
Excellent performance for the Dutch John Houtkamp and Micheline Houtkamp-Van Bussel who, being the first foreigners classified, won the Coppa delle Nazioni. The pair obtained the tenth position at the wheel of Lancia Lambda Tipo 233 Corto of 1928 number 31.
“It was an unusual edition in many ways,” commented Cav. Aldo Bonomi, President of ACI Brescia. “Our crews were able to see Italy with a light they did not know, immersed in autumn colours but also in rain and fog. We are counting on the wonderful places we have passed in these days to benefit from the visibility that 1000 Miglia has brought. A heartfelt thanks to all those who have participated and all those who have worked with us”.
“It was a great teamwork,” added Franco Gussalli Beretta, President of 1000 Miglia srl. “These have been demanding days in which we have made a great effort to keep everyone in maximum safety. The public welcomed us warmly in every place we passed and it was particularly exciting to pass through Amatrice and the earthquake zones as well as through Lodi and Codogno, the first affected by the pandemic. Congratulations to everyone for the passion and, of course, congratulations to the winners!”
“I am particularly grateful to all those who have believed in us and collaborated in these days”, added Alberto Piantoni, Managing Director of 1000 Miglia srl. “It was important to have partners at our side, as well as local and national institutions and the police of all the areas we have crossed. We really appreciated their commitment. I would also like to dedicate a special greeting to Fabrizio Giugiaro who, with his active presence, testified how the role of 1000 Miglia as a showcase for the future of the automobile could not have been better”.
1000 Miglia sincerely thanks all partners and sponsors for their indispensable support to the event, starting from Chopard, Deutsche Bank, Mercedes-Benz, Villa Trasqua, Perlage and Vredestein, who have given an important sign of closeness, trust and passion for the Freccia Rossa 2020 special edition. The contribution of Antares Vision – Technology partner and Leonardo – Security partner for a 1000 Miglia 2020 in total security is fundamental.
Great success also for the Ferrari Tribute to 1000 Miglia, the collateral event dedicated to modern cars that the prestigious international brand, symbol of Italian excellence in the world, dedicates to the 1000 Miglia. Salim Al Rifai and Giordano Mozzi win with a Ferrari 488 Pista of 2018.
