Passione Engadina 2020 has not been canceled despite Corona and will take place as originally planned from 21 to 23 August 2020. To make this possible, organizer Paolo Spalluto had to pull out all the stops. In this interview, he explains what is special about the ninth edition and how organizers are preparing for coronavirus.
Question: What is special and different about the 9th Passione Engadina?
Paolo Spalluto: We are so happy that we are still alive and that we can hold the Passione. Our efforts are paying off, the feedback is great and positive, we are almost fully booked. For the first time, we have a non-Italian brand as our flagship, which is of course also something very special.
Q: Why Aston Martin?
PS: Well, Aston Martin is of course a British brand, but the relationship with Italy is strong. For years, Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera provided design support and the basis for the bodies. There is also a relationship with Zagato, not least because it was Zagato that built perhaps the most famous Aston Martin, the DB4 GT Zagato coupé. To this day, Aston Martin vehicles always bear Italian traits.
We can also count on a very good relationship with Aston Martin St. Gallen, which gives us new opportunities. Incidentally, the reaction of the participants was very positive, nobody considers Aston Martin vehicles to be a devaluation of the Passione, on the contrary.
Q: Who should take part?
PS: We currently have almost 90 vehicles on board, but we cannot accept more than 100 due to the coronavirus measures. We are happy about every registration, especially if it complements the field of vehicles. Of course, we would prefer to have just one of each vehicle type on the start list. For example, a Maserati 5000 GT Allemano has already been registered. Of course, you don't see cars like that every day!
Q: What are the corona-specific measures?
PS: I can't tell you exactly yet, but we will publish our "cockpit" after the rally so that other organizers can learn from us. I will say this much: during the two or so days of the rally, we identified 580 points/situations where a virus could be transmitted. We are now doing our utmost to make transmission impossible or less likely. For example, the meals/celebrations are taking place in several restaurants at the same time. State-of-the-art multimedia technology will ensure that participants still get their money's worth. Parking and special tests will also ensure that no large groups are formed.
Care is also taken to ensure that there are no risks with the support staff. Single rooms and separate transportation ensure that no transmission can take place.
Overall, the coronavirus measures are costing us a six-figure sum, which we can only afford thanks to our sponsors. Our partners and sponsors were very impressed by the prudence we are showing. The Passione really is "corona safe".
Q: How do the measures affect the participants?
PS: There are of course a few additional rules for the participants. We are also giving everyone masks so that they can protect themselves. But overall, it has become clear that it is important that we run a safe event and the participants have no problem adhering to the new rules.
Q: That sounds like a lot of work and preparation, what drives you?
PS: I've lost a few friends and acquaintances over the last few weeks due to the virus, but I've been spared and I'm very happy about that. Organizing the Passione is really a passion for me, I live for it, even if it's more of a hobby than a business. My motto is: never, ever give up! It was all the more important to me that Passione Engadina 2020 can take place. After all, next year we will be celebrating the 10th Passione and it should be spectacular!
Many thanks to Paolo Spalluto for the interview.
You can find out more about the ninth Passione Engadina and register on the Passione Engadina website.
