1. How was your passion for classic cars born, and when did you begin your “profession” as a car criteria selector?
   
   I have always loved classic cars, ever since I was a child. I must say, my passion was due in part to Gigi Villoresi. He used to play bridge with my aunts, and so one day he took me to watch the trials of the «500 Miglia» in Monza in 1957, where, for the first time, the single-seater Indianapolis racing cars competed against the Europeans. My aunts then decided to give me the subscription to “Auto Italiana” as Christmas present. This in turn developed my curiosity about those cars, the modern cars of the time.
   

   

2. What is the criteria you use to select which cars can race in the Mille Miglia: who to admit and who to exclude?
   

   Selection criteria for cars eligible to race in the Mille Miglia is very simple. First of all, the admission request must be completed in all of its sections. So first of all, any incomplete forms are automatically excluded. We then eliminate cars whose model has never raced in the historic Mille Miglia.
   The first step was taken two years ago, when we compiled a list of all the models which had  participated in the Mille Miglia Speed Races from 1927-1957, in accordance with article 3 of the specifications.
   Other selection criteria regards any modifications to the car which may have taken place. In other words,  if a car wishes to enter this year’s race, but  has been modified with respect to series production, then historic documentation must be provided. It will need to be shown that this specific car had already entered a Mille Miglia with this specific modification in place. Once the documentation has been verified, the car will actually receive an additional coefficient bonus with regards to its classification.
   I also point out the “well-restored” cars to the organizing committee on the basis of their FIVA classification, and encourage exceptional cars, while expanding the variety of the models participating.

3. Can you give us an overview of the cars which have entered the Mille Miglia 2010? The cars in the race for the first time, and those which have not been seen for a while.

We are very pleased with the cars in the Mille Miglia 2010. Many collectors who had left the Mille Miglia have requested to be able to participate this year. This is also thanks to the new “rigid” policy with respect to the selection of the cars, with the result that  we have doubled the number of cars with a bonus this year. The quality is extremely high. Many cars have made history in the Mille Miglia, such as the Alfa 6C 1500 and the 1750, which will help celebrate Alfa Romeo’s hundredth anniversary this year. Also present will be little French “voiturettes” like the BNC, Amilcar and Salmson from the end of the Twenties, which were previously absent.

The Mille Miglia, the flagship and testimonial for Made in Italy and for Italian Lifestyle, will once more be a partner in entrepreneurial and government missions to introduce the world to the industrial and creative values of our country. The Roadshow 2010 will start on April 21, and has chosen Zurich as its first stop on a long voyage which will bring it to all continents of the world. Then from Switzerland it will shoot off to the Orient, landing in Shanghai, the capital of international business, just in time for the Expo 2010. The Mille Miglia was specifically chosen for this task by the Foreign Minister and by the Minister Brambilla.  

It is called 1000 Miglia – Suomy, and it is a project that was started last year through the collaboration of its two namesakes, the company from Como, Italy, and the organization of legendary Mille Miglia race.
From this union, two lines of motorcycle helmets were born. They are dedicated not only to the world of racing, but to all appassionati, especially those who pay careful attention to the latest trends.
Their first line is the Vintage. Its design recalls classic influences, and is made up of three models, one of which one, Vantage, is to be used only with classic goggles.
The other line, Urban, is more modern. It includes two helmet models in eight different colors with the lining in fiber (model: Nomad 1000Miglia) or polycarbonate Lexan.(model: Jet Stripe 1000Miglia).

The newest products made by OMP for the Mille Miglia will soon be available in the official Mille Miglia store, on www.1000miglia.eu.
Leader in the field of racing apparel, this Genoese company initiated last year a sub-licensing agreement with the committee that organizes the world’s greatest road race to create a large series of products which have a deliberately retro taste.

Once again, Ubi has chosen to accompany the Mille Miglia on its race. For the third year in a row, the highest ranking car will receive the silver Ubi Banco di Brescia trophy. The Award Ceremony will once again take place at the Teatro Grande di Brescia, on Sunday, May 9, at 11:00 AM.