The 1000 Miglia with Alfa Romeo and Luna Rossa kicks off

Following the traditional sporting and technical checks, the 43^rd edition of the 1000 Miglia officially got underway today. This year’s event features over 400 vehicles from 29 countries. Among these rarities the spotlight will shine on the 1956 Alfa Romeo 1900 Super Sprint, belonging to the priceless Stellantis Heritage collection, usually housed at the Alfa Romeo Museum in Arese. At the wheel will be the Luna Rossa team, will take on the approximately 1,900km ‘figure-of-eight’ route inspired by the first 12 editions of the legendary 1000 Miglia speed race.

There could be no more fitting stage for the dynamic public debut of the new 33 Stradale. Handcrafted in a limited run of just 33 cars, this bespoke masterpiece marks the return of the legendary 33 Stradale, an icon of the 1960s, widely regarded by many to be one of the most beautiful cars ever made. Its design and spirit are taken directly from the Tipo 33, a car that once commanded global adulation in the motorsport arena.

Ahead of the start of the race, the anticipation builds not just for the race itself, but also for time honoured traditions that precede it. Among them are the technical checks and ‘punching’ held this morning in the picturesque setting of Piazza della Vittoria, a historic square in Brescia known as the “Lioness of Italy”.

The punching process is a vital two-phase inspection. The first focuses on the crews, verifying essential documents such as  permits, certificates and driving licenses. The second is a thorough technical check of each car. Following successful completion of the inspection a lead seal is affixed to each vehicle, certifying that it complies and officially given the green light to compete in the race. This procedure is an opportunity for enthusiasts to admire up close the vintage cars taking part in the race. In Brescia, all eyes were on the Alfa Romeo 1900 Super Sprint, an icon of 1950s motoring.

From a square alive with cheering crowds and rumbling engines, the 1000 Miglia roared to life. The convoy set off  from Brescia, heading towards the shores of Lake Garda, then onto the cities of Verona and Ferrara, before ending the day in San Lazzaro di Savena.

Tomorrow will see the cars take on the Raticosa and Futa mountain passes, followed by a journey through Tuscany and onto the eternal city of Rome, arriving at sunset. On Thursday, the route returns north via Orvieto, Arezzo and San Marino, finishing along the coast  at Cervia-Milano Marittima. Friday takes the cars along the Tyrrhenian Sea, through Livorno and across the legendary Cisa Pass before arriving in Parma. The final stage on Saturday will be run between Cremona and the villages of the Bassa, culminating in a triumphant return to Brescia, a city that for a few days each year becomes the centre of the vintage motoring world.

The Luna Rossa sailing team will take part in the 1000 Miglia alongside Alfa Romeo to underscore the strategic partnership between the two Italian brands. The collaboration was recently unveiled, ahead of the 38^th America’s Cup, by a video which can be viewed here. The world’s premier sailing competition will be held in Italy for the first time in the Bay of Naples. Two iconic brands coming together in a celebration of shared values – the relentless pursuit of technical perfection, the passion for challenge and the desire to represent Italian excellence on the global stage.