Bandini Trophy, Russell succeeds Norris
George Russell won the 31st Lorenzo Bandini Trophy. The Brit succeeds Lando Norris and will collect the award on Wednesday 15 May at the Rocca Veneziana in Brisighella, in the province of Ravenna.
“Russell, with his determination, has distinguished himself as one of the most valid and promising drivers in the Circus, demonstrating a constant commitment to excellence“, explains the trophy organization in a statement. The #63 becomes the fifth Briton to be awarded the award after David Coulthard (1995), Jenson Button (2001), Lewis Hamilton (2010) and Norris.
For the occasion, Russell will drive on the classic route Faenza-Brisighella there Mercedes Rennwagen Targa Florio, winner of the 1924 edition with Christian Werner and an absolutely iconic car. The #63 will drive Christian Lautenschlager’s restored car (Werner’s was destroyed), will leave at 3.45pm and will reach the Municipality of Brisighella half an hour later. At 6pm the ceremony will officially begin at the Rocca Veneziana in Brisighella and, in addition to the awarding of the prize to the winning driver, the Mercedes engineer Riccardo Musconi, the head of communications Bradley Lord, the PR manager Rosa Herrero Venegas, the manager Mercedes Europa communication Eugenio Blasetti and engineer Evan Shorting. Colleagues Lucia Voltan, Ted Kravitz and Carolina Tedeschi will also be awarded.
Russell’s words
“Mercedes-Benz has an incredible history in motorsports. Since I joined the team in 2017, I have enjoyed getting to know her better, including visiting the museum and the ‘Holy Halls’ in Stuttgart. When the opportunity arose to drive one of the most iconic cars in the company’s history, I jumped at it. I can’t wait to get behind the wheel and get a feel for what the best drivers of 100 years ago went through. The restoration of the Mercedes-Benz Classic is, as always, top notch“, commented Russell. “Driving such an extraordinary vehicle, not only to celebrate such an important victory in the history of Mercedes-Benz, but also to collect the Bandini Trophy, makes it even more special. I look forward to a warm welcome in Brisighella and to thank the commission for the generous selection”.
