Winter Marathon, Madonna di Campiglio 2024

The young Franciacorta Motori crew of Edoardo Bellini and Roberto Tiberti took their third victory in the Winter Marathon on 19 January in extreme cold conditions in the same 1937 Fiat 508 C with which they won in 2021 and 2022.  Having led from just after the first stage in the dark on Thursday night, their nearest rivals and last year’s winners, Guido Barcella and Ombretta Ghidotti, finished in second place well behind the leaders in points after a poor showing on the first stage meant they had to make a recovery drive over the next two days.  Fabio Salvinelli and Andrea Costa finished in third after lying in second most of the way, completing an all-Fiat 508 C podium.

Photos Pierpaolo Romano

Like last year, the event was characterised by the cold – up to minus 15 degrees – on the Sella, Gardena and Pordoi passes.  Also like last year, the first foreign car home was the Mini Cooper S of Brit Edoardo Ottochian, this time with George Drayson.  This crew also took victory in their heat on the frozen lake on Saturday.  

Two races are run:  for the Sparco Trophy, which is reserved for the eight highest ranking foreign teams, and the Veriwatch Trophy, a race for the 32 highest-placed cars in the rally of the more than 100 starters.  Barcella and Ghidotti, added to their trophy haul (and watch collection) by winning the latter. 

After safety concerns saw the race in Madonna di Campiglio cancelled last year at the last moment, its return was very welcome by the drivers and the many spectators that line the track in the Dolomite ski resort to watch the fun.