Andrea Vesco and Fabio Salvinelli have laid down an early marker ahead of the 2026 1000 Miglia after securing victory in the ninth edition of the Roberto Gaburri Trophy, the traditional prologue to one of the world's most celebrated historic motoring events.
Driving a 1929 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 SS, the multiple 1000 Miglia winners delivered a commanding performance through the streets of Brescia, finishing with just 23 penalty points. Their precision proved decisive in a fiercely contested field featuring more than 100 entries from both the 1000 Miglia and Ferrari Tribute events.
The victory was sealed during the pressure-switch tests in the heart of the city, where Vesco and Salvinelli edged out Lorenzo and Mario Turelli by a narrow margin of two penalty points. Alberto Aliverti and Francesco Polini completed the podium after recording 28 penalty points.
Held on 7 June, the Roberto Gaburri Trophy once again served as the official opening act for the forty-fourth historic re-enactment of the 1000 Miglia. Named in honour of the first President of 1000 Miglia Srl, the event transformed Brescia's newly inaugurated Piazza Vittoria Village into a vibrant showcase of classic motoring heritage.
For local spectators, the competition offered an exciting first glimpse of the machines and crews that will soon embark on the famous route. For participants, it provided a valuable opportunity to test both vehicle reliability and timing equipment ahead of the official start of the race on Tuesday.
The action began at 6:30 pm as competitors departed from the Village and navigated through Brescia's historic centre towards the city's iconic Castle. The competitive element unfolded across three timed tests located between Corso Zanardelli, Via Brigida Avogadro and the slopes of the Cidneo hill, before concluding with a dramatic finish in a packed Piazza Paolo VI.
Beyond the competition itself, the event highlighted the charitable dimension that has become an increasingly important part of the 1000 Miglia experience. Organisers officially presented the 2026 edition of the 1000 Miglia Charity initiative, with La Zebra ODV once again taking centre stage.
This year's campaign aims to support the development of accommodation facilities for families of children receiving treatment at the Children's Hospital of the ASST Spedali Civili in Brescia. The initiative reflects the organisers' commitment to ensuring the event leaves a lasting positive impact on the local community beyond the world of motorsport.
The evening also carried a strong emotional significance. On the tenth anniversary of Roberto Gaburri's passing, organisers paid tribute to his enduring contribution to the event. His memory was linked with that of Giuseppe Cherubini, widely regarded as the architect of the race route and a close friend of Gaburri.
Together, the two men played a pivotal role in shaping the modern identity of the 1000 Miglia. Their shared passion for motoring helped build a legacy that continues to inspire competitors, organisers and spectators alike, ensuring that the spirit of the event remains as strong today as it was when they first helped guide its future.
With the prologue complete and the first honours claimed, attention now turns to the start of the 2026 1000 Miglia, where Vesco and Salvinelli will look to convert their early success into another chapter of racing history.
