Centenary Victory of Targa Florio Celebrated with Bandini Trophy Demonstration
Russell drove the historic centenary Mercedes race car through the streets of the ancient Italian village of Brisighella on his way to receive the prestigious prize on Wednesday (May 15), before the upcoming Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
In an official statement from Mercedes, Russell expressed his admiration, stating: “It was an incredible experience to take the wheel of a centenary Mercedes. Normally, we would expect a car like this to be on display in a museum for people to admire, rather than being driven. So, being entrusted with its first public appearance since its restoration was a true honor.”
He further added: “The driving experience was exceptional! The sound was extraordinary and, considering the narrow tires, the handling in the corners was highly impressive. It was a real delight to have the opportunity to drive it, and I express my sincere gratitude to the Mercedes-Benz Classic team.”
Russell also had the privilege of receiving the Bandini Trophy. He expressed his appreciation, stating: “Winning this award is a true privilege. Many respected Formula 1 drivers have been honored with this recognition, so it is an honor to have my name added to that distinguished list.”
Reflecting on the day, the 26-year-old driver concluded: “It was a remarkable day, and I am looking forward to the rest of the weekend in Imola.”
Mercedes provided an explanation in their official statement: “The award was established in 1992 in honor of the renowned Italian racing driver Lorenzo Bandini, who passed away in 1967. The recognition is awarded to an individual in the world of Formula 1 and is chosen by a special committee.”
“The ceremony takes place in Brisighella, a small town located in the Emilia-Romagna region, Italy. George drove the 2-liter vintage car from the neighboring town of Faenza to the town square, marking the occasion of the award and celebrating Mercedes’ overall victory and triple class win in the 1924 Targa Florio race.”
Marcus Breitschwerdt, head of Mercedes-Benz Heritage, expressed: “Yesterday, our original 1924 Mercedes Targa Florio race car returned to an Italian road – a century after its victory in the race in Sicily.”
“It was an incredibly moving moment for everyone involved. This red car captivated Italian spectators a hundred years ago and now, it elicited a similar response with George Russell at the wheel.”
“We are delighted and proud that the car made its first public appearance after undergoing a comprehensive restoration at our Mercedes-Benz Classic Centre,” Breitschwerdt concluded.
Francesco Asirelli, president of the Troféo Bandini Association, added: “We were extremely pleased to have George here to receive the 31st edition of the Troféo Bandini. He is a very knowledgeable young man and an exceptional athlete. We worked towards this moment for almost a year and it finally arrived. He brought the sun with him to Brisighella and it was a wonderful day.”
“Thank you very much to Mercedes-Benz Classic for restoring such an extraordinary car and showing it for the first time at our event. Everyone was delighted to see it on the streets of the town, and it was a truly remarkable experience. A big thank you to Mercedes-Benz and the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 team for making all of this possible.”
Mercedes provided a statement about the Targa Florio, a road endurance race that took place in the Italian mountains of Sicily. The race, which began in the early 1900s, was known for its difficulty and was highly valued by automotive manufacturers as a way to showcase the capabilities of their racing cars and drivers. Mercedes, after achieving success in 1922, participated in the 1924 race with their 2-liter Targa Florio racing car, a project developed by Chief Engineer Ferdinand Porsche.
To discourage interference from local fans, the car was painted red. Christian Werner, a non-Italian driver, emerged victorious in the race, covering a distance of 432 kilometers in a time of 6 hours, 32 minutes, and 37.4 seconds. This was Mercedes’ second victory in the Targa Florio. Werner also led the team to a triple class victory for racing cars with a displacement of up to 2 liters. His teammates, Christian Lautenschlager and Alfred Neubauer, finished in 11th and 16th place, respectively.
In 2022, Mercedes-Benz Heritage decided to meticulously reconstruct the original 2-liter Targa Florio racing car from their own collection in honor of the anniversary. The restoration aimed to adhere to the highest factory restoration standards, ensuring authenticity. The vehicle that Christian Lautenschlager used to complete the Targa Florio in 1924 was chosen for this project, as Werner’s winning car no longer exists. The restoration process involved a thorough analysis of the car’s paint, engine, and body, as well as extensive research in the Mercedes-Benz Classic Archives. Original technical drawings and historical photos were crucial references for the restoration, which was carried out by the Classic Centre in collaboration with a network of experts.
© 2024
The legend of football Cristiano Ronaldo is back at Manchester United. After 12 years, the Portuguese star returns to the club that propelled him to stardom. The news was officially announced today, much to the delight of fans and supporters. Ronaldo has signed a two-year contract with the option to extend for another year. The transfer was completed for an estimated €20 million.
At 36 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo brings with him a vast experience and a history of achievements. He has been named the best player in the world five times and has won numerous titles throughout his career. His return to Manchester United promises to bring even more excitement and competitiveness to English football.
Ronaldo’s comeback also marks a reunion with coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who was his teammate at Manchester United during his first spell at the club. Solskjaer expressed his satisfaction with the signing, highlighting the player’s importance to the team and the positive influence he will have on the other players.
The news of Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Manchester United is already causing a huge impact on social media. Fans from all over the world are celebrating the star’s return and expressing their excitement for the new season. Now we just have to wait and see what the future holds for Ronaldo and his beloved club.
