The 36th Gran Premio Nuvolari partecipates in Retro Classic Essen

04/01/2026

Milan, April 1st, 2026 – From April 8th to 12th, Scuderia Mantova Corse will participate with its own stand at Retro Classics Essen 2026, held at the Essen Exhibition Centre (Hall 3 – Stand 44.1). This globally renowned event for vintage, classic, and collector cars will take place in the Ruhr region for the first time. The occasion will provide an opportunity to present the 36th edition of the Gran Premio Nuvolari to drivers, international collectors, journalists, and enthusiasts. This international regularity event, dedicated to historic cars and modern GTs, is scheduled to take place from September 17th to 20th, 2026.

A total of 300 crews from around the world will gather in Mantua, the birthplace of Tazio Nuvolari, competing in time trials and average-speed tests along a 1,100 km route through the most captivating and iconic landscapes of Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, Umbria, Marche, and the Republic of San Marino.

With its glamorous and exclusive character, the event is a historical and cultural celebration of legendary automotive masterpieces. Each year, it attracts the finest in the world of historic motoring, bringing together gentleman drivers and enthusiasts from all five continents for what is widely regarded as a unique and thrilling experience.

Conceived and organized since 1991 by Mantova Corse, the event will be held in compliance with FIA, FIVA, and ACI Sport regulations, with particular attention to the safety protocols of the national sporting federation.

The presence of long-standing partners Red Bull, Gruppo Finservice, and Morbio Costruzioni 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 breathtaking locations with top-level sporting competition.

2026 Program
The Gran Premio Nuvolari route represents a true synthesis of Italian excellence.
Thursday, September 17th – The 300 crews will gather in Mantova. In the enchanting setting of Palazzo Te, administrative checks for drivers and technical scrutineering for vehicles will take place. In the evening, a welcome dinner will be held in Piazza Erbe, in the historic city center.

Friday, September 18th – As tradition dictates, the race will start from the historic Piazza Sordello, the heart of the city. The cars will travel across the Po Valley, with a first checkpoint in Piazza dei Martiri in Carpi, then continue through the Apennines to the Mugello Circuit. The route proceeds across the Tuscan-Romagna hills to the Imola Circuit, then toward the Adriatic coast, finishing the day in Cesenatico, where the first evening event will be held at the Grand Hotel da Vinci. Overnight stay in Rimini.

Saturday, September 19th – The second stage will wind from Rimini through Marche and Umbria, with passages through Sant’Angelo in Vado and Città di Castello, reaching the Magione Circuit. A lunch break is scheduled at the Lamborghini Golf Club in Panicale, followed by transit through Cortona and arrival in Arezzo. In the afternoon, crews will drive through Tuscany, passing Sansepolcro and the Viamaggio Pass. The Republic of San Marino will host the final time trials of the day and a checkpoint in Piazza della Libertà, atop Mount Titano. The stage will conclude in Rimini, with a parade through Piazza Tre Martiri and final parking at Parco Fellini. In the evening, the traditional Gala Dinner in honor of Tazio Nuvolari will take place at the iconic Grand Hotel Rimini.

Sunday, September 20th – Crews will head north for the final stage, featuring decisive challenges to determine the overall winner. Departing from Rimini, competitors will face demanding time trials in Meldola, followed by city circuits in Forlì and Lugo di Romagna. The Castello Estense will host the time control in Ferrara, followed by the Power Stage time trials in Piazza Ariostea. The event will then return to Mantova, with a final lunch at the historic Abbey of San Benedetto Po before the triumphant finish in Piazza Sordello.

Entry Requirements and Deadlines
Applications must be submitted exclusively via the official website www.gpnuvolari.it by July 31, 2026.
The 36th Gran Premio Nuvolari is open to historic vehicles manufactured between 1919 and 1946 in the “Pre-War” division, from 1947 to 1976 in the “Classic” division, and from 1977 to 2000 in the “Youngtimer” division. In addition, up to 35 modern GT supercars built between 2001 and 2026 are eligible for participation in the “Gran Turismo” division.