Impressive appearance by Volkswagen Group at Mille Miglia 2012
Wolfsburg, 20 May 2012 - Fascinating historic motorsport cars, a splendid route and over one million passionate fans: The Mille Miglia once again lived up to its reputation as one of the world’s most beautiful and famous car races. The Volkswagen Group and Porsche made an impressive appearance at the Mille Miglia: a total of 17 legendary vehicles of the Volkswagen, Audi, Bentley, Bugatti and Porsche brands generated enthusiasm among the spectators.
The Mille Miglia is not one of the run-of-the-mill, comfortable old-timer excursions; it is a tough test of endurance that is driven fast and without compromises. This event has a long history: the Mille Miglia was first organised in the year 1927, and it was one of the longest and toughest races in the world until its temporary end in 1957. In 1977, new life was breathed into the classic Italian motorsport event as a conformity and motorsport tour. But anyone who has experienced the race as a driver knows this: nothing can be taken for granted here. The passion with which the Mille Miglia is celebrated in Italy is incomparable. Over the three race days this year, hundreds of thousands of fans once again made their annual pilgrimage to the route between Brescia and Rome and cheered the teams on.
The Volkswagen Group was well represented by many different automotive legends at the Mille Miglia 2012. This year, the Volkswagen Classic team drove with focused Beetle dynamics. No less than three Beetle, which were modified to reflect historic models, reinvigorated tradition and they shook up the field repeatedly with their power-enhanced rear engines – just as their predecessors did in the 1950s. They impressively showed their much higher-powered competitors at the Mille Miglia that one should never underestimate a Beetle. The race Beetle models with their strong engines and unmistakable sound were fan favourites. They were driven by Volkswagen board members and managers as well as editors-in-chief of some of the largest German automotive magazines.
Three DKW from the collection of Audi Tradition were also driving at full force, including two rare DKW 3=6 Monza cars. Bentley impressed fans with two legendary “Blowers” from the 1930s, while Bugatti entered the Type 40 and Type 35 B, one of the most successful motorsport cars in the world. Porsche sent two 550 Spyder, a 356 Coupé and three 356 Speedster to race. They set the pace on the narrow mountain roads of the second stage. These cars were capably driven by the Chairman of the Board of Porsche, Matthias Müller, and Stephan Grühsem, Head of Volkswagen Group Communications.
For the drivers, the Mille Miglia was once again a genuine challenge. The 1,600 km route took them through fascinating landscapes and medieval cities over three race days under mostly sunny skies. Naturally, the stresses of racing did not leave the vehicles unscathed – the mechanics of the teams had some serious work to do at night, and they worked tirelessly to return the precious cars to top form. They hardly had a moment’s rest. The dedicated work of all participants paid off: every vehicle made it to the finish line.
Great history and a great present: at the Mille Miglia the Volkswagen Group displayed some of its latest vehicles as well, which spectators gathered around at the Piazza Paolo VI in Brescia and the Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome. They showed great interest in the new Golf GTI Cabriolet and the new CC.
A total of 380 teams from around the world drove the tradition-rich route from Brescia to Rome and back again. The victors of the Mille Miglia 2012 were Claudio Scalise and Daniel Claramunt in an Alfa Romeo 6C/1500 from the year 1928. Taking second place were Giuliano Cané and Lucia Galliani in a BMW 328 from 1939.
No comments:
Post a Comment