Preparations continue at full pace for the international event dedicated to the legendary mantuan driver Tazio Nuvolari

06/01/2026

Milan, June 1st, 2026 – The passing of Tazio Nuvolari on 11 August 1953 caused great emotion throughout the world and deeply moved the men behind the Mille Miglia. Castagneto and his fellow organisers of the famous Brescia race shared a genuine bond with the Mantuan driver, founded not only on their affection and esteem for the man and their admiration for the extraordinary champion, but also on a profound sense of gratitude. They recognised him as one of the figures whose remarkable achievements had contributed most significantly to the unstoppable growth and international prestige of their creation. To honour his memory, the route of the Mille Miglia was modified to pass through Mantova. It was then that the GRAN PREMIO NUVOLARI was established, to be awarded to the fastest driver and contested along the long straights of the Po Valley, from Cremona through Mantova to the finish line in Brescia.

Today, the Gran Premio Nuvolari has reached its 36th edition and is widely regarded as one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the season. Organised by Scuderia Mantova Corse since 1991, the international regularity event for historic automobiles will take place from 17 to 20 September 2026 and, as tradition dictates, will start from the historic centre of Mantova, birthplace of the great Tazio Nuvolari.

The 2026 edition promises to be rich in new features, beginning with a redesigned route that will combine regularity and average-speed tests along a 1,100-kilometre itinerary crossing some of the most fascinating and iconic landscapes of Lombardy, Emilia Romagna, Tuscany, Umbria, Marche and the Republic of San Marino.

This year, the Gran Premio will be further enhanced by the inclusion of three renowned Formula 1 circuits (Mugello Circuit, Imola Circuit and Magione Circuit) as well as three urban circuits (Carpi, Forlì and Lugo di Romagna).

The 300 competing crews will take part in a challenge marked by timed and average-speed tests along some of Italy’s most scenic roads, creating an exclusive and elegant event for drivers and enthusiasts alike, in honour of the man whose name has become synonymous with the history of world motorsport: Tazio Nuvolari.

Throughout the event, the streets and piazzas along the route will come alive with a parade of authentic automotive treasures. True symbols of twentieth-century industrial excellence, these masterpieces on four wheels will provide a captivating spectacle for both motorsport enthusiasts and visitors.

Conceived and organised by Mantova Corse since 1991, the event will be held in accordance with F.I.A, F.I.V.A. and A.C.I. Sport regulations, with particular attention devoted to the safety protocols established by the Italian National Motorsport Federation. The longstanding partnership of Red Bull, Gruppo Finservice and Morbio Costruzioni has once again been confirmed. Thanks to their support, the Gran Premio Nuvolari will offer participants a memorable and adrenaline-filled experience, combining the pleasure of driving through extraordinary landscapes with competition at the highest sporting level.

The 36th Gran Premio Nuvolari will enjoy, among others, the patronage of the Lombardy Region, the Cities of Mantova, Rimini, Arezzo, Forlì and Ferrara, the Ministries of Tourism and Sport of the Republic of San Marino, and the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Carpi.

The 2026 programme
Thursday, 17 September, crews will gather in Mantova. Within the magnificent setting of Palazzo Te, administrative checks for participants and technical scrutineering of the vehicles will take place. In the evening, the traditional welcome dinner will be held in Piazza Erbe, in the historic centre of the city.

Friday, 18 September
As tradition dictates, the official start will be given from the historic Piazza Sordello, the heart of the Lombard city. The cars will travel across the roads of the Po Valley, with the first checkpoint scheduled in Piazza dei Martiri in Carpi, before crossing the Apennines towards Mugello Circuit. The route will then continue through the rolling hills between Tuscany and Romagna, arriving at Imola Circuit before heading towards the Adriatic coast and reaching Cesenatico, where participants will enjoy the first exclusive evening gathering at the prestigious Grand Hotel da Vinci. Overnight accommodation will follow in Rimini.

Saturday, 19 September
The second leg will take crews from Rimini through the regions of Marche and Umbria. The route will include passages through Sant’Angelo in Vado and Città di Castello before reaching Magione Circuit. A break is scheduled at the Lamborghini Golf Club in Panicale, followed by transit through Cortona and arrival in Arezzo. In the afternoon, competitors will travel along the roads of Tuscany, passing through Sansepolcro before tackling the Viamaggio Pass. The Republic of San Marino will welcome the event with the final group of timed tests of the day and a stamp control in Piazza della Libertà, at the summit of Mount Titano. The second leg will conclude in Rimini, beginning with a parade through Piazza Tre Martiri and ending at Parco Fellini, where the vehicles will remain on display overnight. In the evening, the traditional Gala Dinner in honour of Tazio Nuvolari will take place in the magnificent Fellini-inspired setting of the Grand Hotel Rimini.

Sunday, 20 September
The final day will see the crews head northwards. The route will present the last and most decisive challenges in determining the overall winner. Departing from Rimini, competitors will face the demanding timed tests of Meldola, followed by the urban circuits of Forlì and Lugo di Romagna. Within the oval of Piazza Ariostea, the Power Stage timed tests will be contested, while the iconic Castello Estense will host the official time control organised by the City of Ferrara. The rally will then return to the Mantova area. Lunch, served within the historic setting of the thousand-year-old Abbey of San Benedetto Po, will mark the final act before the triumphant arrival in Mantova, welcomed by the historic surroundings of Piazza Sordello.

Gran Premio Nuvolari Green
The Gran Premio Nuvolari organisation has always demonstrated a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, pursuing initiatives aimed at protecting both people and the territory through which the event passes.
The first “Gran Premio Nuvolari Green” initiative was launched in 2020 and included a tree-planting programme designed to offset the CO₂ emissions generated by the circulation of the historic vehicles participating in the event.
A further initiative aimed at reducing the use of single-use plastic bottles will also be implemented. Eco-friendly Tritan water bottles will be distributed to every crew, all members of the organising staff and accredited media representatives. In addition, drinking-water refill stations will be installed during the starting procedures in both Mantova and Rimini, available for use by all participants.

Entry requirements and registration
Applications must be submitted exclusively through the official website www.gpnuvolari.it and may be filed until 31 July 2026. Eligible vehicles for the 36th Gran Premio Nuvolari include:
• Historic cars manufactured between 1919 and 1946 in the “Pre-War” Division;
• Historic cars manufactured between 1947 and 1976 in the “Classic” Division;
• Historic cars manufactured between 1977 and 2000 in the “Youngtimer” Division;
• Up to 35 modern GT Supercars in the “Gran Turismo” Division, built between 2001 and 2026.