After more than 1700 kilometers through half of Italy, the team Villa Trasqua, consisting of father Roberto and son Andrea Vesco, won the Mille Miglia 2020 from 22 to 25 October in the Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Zagato from 1929.
The Mille Miglia podium was by no means new territory for the Vescos. Both have won the Freccia Rossa before, but never in the same team. Son Andrea finished third in 2018 and second in 2019, while father Roberto won the Mille Miglia back in 1993.
The second place on the podium went to Sergio Sisti, winner in 2001, and Anna Gualandi at the wheel of a 1929 Lancia Lambda Spider Casaro. Third place went to Gianmaria Fontanella and Anna Maria Covelli, also at the wheel of a 1927 Lancia Lambda Casari.
New territory for everyone
It was a slightly different Mille Miglia for all participants and visitors this year. The event did not take place in early summer as usual, but had to be postponed to the fall due to the Covid pandemic. The participants and visitors therefore experienced Italy in beautiful autumnal colors, but also in gray fog and with heavy rainfall. The weather proved to be one of the most challenging components. Especially in the evening passages, such as the Passo della Cisa, the drivers had to fight their way through thick fog and darkness. Of the 356 cars that started, 296 made it to the finish line in the end.
Of course, the health and distancing rules also had to be observed at the Mille Miglia. All participants had to wear a mask at all times.
Furthermore, the control slips, for example, were no longer checked while standing, but while driving. The aim of this was to avoid unnecessary contact between staff and participants.
Franco Gussalli Beretta, President of 1000 Miglia srl. on safety at the Mille Miglia: "The Mille Miglia has always been a showcase for Italy and all the great areas we pass through. We want to show that it is possible to move forward with the necessary precautions and look to the future. Thanks to the good cooperation of all those involved, we have been able to create positive momentum."
Promise of an F1 world champion and women's prize
The arrival at Viale Venezia in Brescia was highlighted by the presence of the unforgettable Ferrari Formula 1 Grand Prix winner Eddie Irvine, who, not entirely seriously, promised to take part in the Mille Miglia within the next five years.
The ladies' prize, known as the "Coppa delle Dame", was won by Silvia Marini and Francesca Ruggeri. After more than 45 hours of driving through 245 Italian municipalities, they took 24th place. They drove a Bugatti T40 from 1929.
Still successful and steeped in history
This year's edition of the Mille Miglia was dedicated to the Ferrari brand. The "Ferrari Tribute to 1000 Miglia" celebrated the modern vehicles that the traditional Italian brand had dedicated to the event. The winners were Salim Al Rifai and Giordano Mozzi in a 2018 Ferrari 488 Pista.
The President of 1000 Miglia srl. would particularly like to emphasize the good cooperation between all parties. "These have been challenging days in which we have done everything to ensure that everyone is in maximum safety. The public welcomed us warmly everywhere and it was particularly exciting to drive through Amatrice and the earthquake zone, as well as through Lodi and Codogno, the first places where the pandemic broke out in Italy. I congratulate everyone on their passion and of course the winners," reads the official press release.
