Engines are warming up for the international event reserved for historic cars which celebrates Tazio Nuvolari every year

09/16/2026

Milano, 16 September 2026 – The countdown is on for the 36th edition of the Gran Premio Nuvolari, the international regularity event for historic cars which on 18 September will start from Piazza Sordello in Mantova, the city that gave birth to the Great Nivola, with the presence of some of the most iconic and fascinating models of the racing cars of yesterday, to honour the memory of the great Mantuan driver Tazio Nuvolari, a legendary sportsman who, through his achievements, wrote the history of world motorsport.

This year’s edition of the Gran Premio promises to be packed with new features and a high level of adrenaline for competitors and enthusiasts alike. On board their vintage jewels, the 300 crews from all over the world will travel along the renewed route of more than 1,100 km through the breathtaking landscapes of Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, Marche, Umbria and the Republic of San Marino.

“Lombardy is the leading Italian region for motorsport events, with the Gran Premio Nuvolari being one of its most authoritative symbols,” states Federica Picchi, Undersecretary for Sport and Youth of Regione Lombardia. “The Gran Premio is not only a sporting event, but also a cultural event and a platform for synergies between public and private institutions, capable of enhancing territories, communities and industrial culture. Through its calls for proposals, Regione Lombardia strongly supports events such as this, where historic cars bring to life a true travelling museum.”

As part of an established tradition, number 1 will symbolically be reserved for the greatest driver of all time, the legendary Tazio Nuvolari. A selection of modern Grand Touring cars will open the convoy; followed by the 260 historic cars from all continents, representing 35 automotive manufacturers, from the Italian Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Lancia, Ferrari and Fiat, to the British Jaguar, Aston Martin, Bentley and Triumph, from the German Mercedes, BMW and Porsche to the classic French cars bearing the signature of Ettore Bugatti. This year, 80 pre-war cars (manufactured between 1923 and 1939) will take part in the event.

The best top drivers in the category will be on the starting line, from Andrea Vesco, winner of last year’s edition, to Fontanella, Beccalossi, Gamberini, Aliverti, Passanante, Di Pietra, Barcella, Zanotti, Sangiovanni, Belometti and Turelli, just to name a few. It will be a closely fought battle, from the first to the last of the 100 timed tests.

The origins of the Gran Premio Nuvolari date back to 1954, when, at the initiative of the organisers of the Mille Miglia, an event was established dedicated to the great Mantuan champion, who had passed away on 11 August 1953. To pay tribute to him, the Mille Miglia route was modified to pass through Mantova, giving rise to a race within the race, intended to identify the fastest driver along the straights of the Po Valley, from Cremona to Brescia.

The 36th modern re-enactment, conceived and organised since 1991 by Mantova Corse, will take place in compliance with the regulations of the F.I.A., F.I.V.A. and A.C.I. Sport. The presence of historic partners Red Bull, Gruppo Finservice, Morbio Costruzioni, Mosso Timekeeper, Porsche Penske, Cognizant, UFI Filters and Tenute Salvaterra has been confirmed. Thanks to their support, the Gran Premio Nuvolari will offer participants an adrenaline-filled and memorable experience, combining the pleasure of driving through places of great beauty with a sporting competition of the highest level.

The 36th Gran Premio Nuvolari is also held under the patronage of Regione Lombardia, the Cities of Mantova, Rimini, Arezzo, Forlì and Ferrara, the Province of Mantova, the Ministries of Tourism and Sport of the Republic of San Marino and the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Carpi.

The 2026 Route
Thursday 17 September
The crews will gather in Mantova for the technical and sporting scrutineering in the evocative setting of Palazzo Te. The day will conclude with the traditional welcome dinner in Piazza Erbe, in the heart of the historic city centre.

Friday 18 September
The Gran Premio will start from Piazza Sordello. The first stage will cross the Po Valley and the Apennines, passing through Carpi and the Mugello and Imola circuits, before reaching Cesenatico and concluding in Rimini, where overnight accommodation is scheduled.

Saturday 19 September
From Rimini, the crews will head towards Marche, Umbria and Tuscany, passing through Sant’Angelo in Vado, Città di Castello, the Magione circuit, Cortona and Arezzo. The return journey will pass through Sansepolcro, the Viamaggio Pass and the Republic of San Marino, with arrival in Rimini, where the traditional Gala Dinner dedicated to Tazio Nuvolari will be held.

Sunday 20 September
The final stage will take competitors northwards, with the decisive timed tests in Meldola, the urban circuits of Forlì and Lugo di Romagna and the Power Stage in Piazza Ariostea in Ferrara. After lunch at the thousand-year-old Abbey of San Benedetto Po, the crews will return to Mantova for the triumphant final arrival in Piazza Sordello.

Gran Premio Nuvolari Green
The organisation of the Gran Premio Nuvolari has always demonstrated its commitment to environmental sustainability, embarking years ago on a journey aimed at safeguarding people and the territory. The first “Gran Premio Nuvolari Green” initiative was developed in 2020 and involved planting trees to offset the amount of CO2 emitted by the circulation of historic cars. An additional initiative is also planned to limit the use of plastic bottles: each crew, the entire organisational staff and the media will be provided with eco-friendly tritan water bottles. During the stage departure procedures in Mantova and Rimini, drinking water dispensers will be made available to all participants.

Entry Requirements and Registration Deadlines
The Gran Premio Nuvolari accepts historic cars manufactured from 1919 to 1946 in the “PreWar” division, from 1947 to 1976 in the “Classic” division and from 1977 to 2000 in the “Youngtimer” division, as well as 35 modern GT supercars in the “Gran Turismo” division, built from 2001 to 2026.