The Automobile Club of Italy and the Automobile Club Palermo today made official, during a video press conference, the launch of the 108th edition of the Targa Florio, a highly prestigious motoring event that will be held this weekend between Palermo and the Madonie. The Sicilian race will be valid for the Italian Assoluto Rally Sparco championship, for the Italian Historic Car Rally championship, for the Italian Regularity Historic Car Rally championship and for the eighth Zone Italian Cup, in a mix of validity that elevates this event to the role of the undisputed protagonist in the Italian rally scene.
Present were Angelo Sticchi Damiani, president of the Automobile Club of Italy; Roberto Lagalla, mayor of Palermo; Giuseppe Di Maggio, mayor of Campofelice di Roccella; Gandolfo Librizzi, mayor of Polizzi Generosa; Giuseppe Lucio Maria Preti, Councilor of the Municipality of Termini Imerese and Marco Rogano, general director of Aci Sport Spa.
Angelo Sticchi Damiani, president of the Automobile Club of Italy: “It is important to recognize that the transition from the speed version to the rally has allowed us to keep the flame of the Targa alive. This event allows us to continue the tradition and affirm the prestige of this race, also handed down through the classic Targa Florio, which represents even more the historic race due to its characteristics. The most important rallies in Europe have increasingly featured a regularity race, an element added to this competition in recent editions and renewed again this year. It is not only a competitive re-enactment, but also to offer entertainment with the same machines that animated these places in the past. They are all initiatives aimed at keeping alive the passion for a symbolic event of Italian motoring such as the Targa Florio”.
The statements
Roberto Lagalla, mayor of Palermo: “The Targa Florio is a pearl of our history, an event that allows us to show the world the beauty and uniqueness of our territory. The commitment to the restoration of the Cerda Tribune is a tribute to this great tradition and together with the bodies involved we are pushing so that this work, already financed, can proceed with the next step. Our streets will witness a competition that celebrates the history and culture of our beloved Sicily.”
Giuseppe Di Maggio, mayor of Campofelice di Roccella: “The return to Campofelice with the arrival of the Historic Rally represents a great emotion for us, a land of motors. The race unites generations around a heritage of inestimable value. The involvement of young people in the preparation of the event is a strong signal of the indissoluble bond that exists between this land and its glorious motoring past” -.
Gandolfo Librizzi, mayor of Polizzi Generosa: -“It is with pride and a hint of surprise that we see our city transformed into a stage for the Targa Florio. The race through the center and its historic streets is a tribute to our cultural heritage and testifies to the deep connection with the legend of this event which for the first time will enter the heart of our city. It will be a great party for everyone, a moment to keep in the memories for which we are working tirelessly.”
Giuseppe Lucio Maria Preti, councilor of the Municipality of Termini Imerese: -“Termini Imerese confirms itself as the beating heart of the Targa Florio, with our port preparing to become a new symbol of welcome and renewal. It is essential to continue investing in these traditions that elevate our territory and testify to its historicity at an international level. Happy Targa Florio to everyone.”
Marco Rogano, general director of Aci Sport Spa: “Designing the route for this edition was an exciting challenge, which gave life to a technical and selective route that retraces famous sections and others full of novelties. This competition confirms itself as one of the most challenging tests of the overall Italian Rally Sparco championship, an event that every enthusiast dreams of seeing at least once. Attention to the local drivers, because as per tradition here they will give their best to be able to carve out a corner in the history of this legendary event”-.
At the end of the conference there was a moment of reflection to remember the victims of Casteldaccia. Tomorrow, Thursday 9 May, crew reconnaissance on the special stages, only with road cars and in strict compliance with the Highway Code, under the control of the course marshals. Collective tests near Lascari and at 8pm briefings with the race director at the service center located at the Acacia Resort in Campofelice di Roccella.
