Angelo and Pietro Barbetti Memorial: Emotions and Triumphs at the 59th Luigi Fagioli Trophy

The week of the historic “Trofeo Luigi Fagioli” hill climb event, held last weekend in Gubbio (PG), began with a series of special events that set the stage for the main festivities.

On Wednesday, August 28, Gubbio served as the venue for various meetings and celebrations that kicked off the activities associated with the prestigious trophy.

Preview and Special Meetings

During the day, Formula 1 icon René Arnoux met with the citizens of Gubbio and was awarded the Angelo and Pietro Barbetti Memorial at the Palazzo Pretorio. Joining him were Fernando Barbetti, President of GRUPPO INVECO (son of Pietro), and Antonella Barbetti (daughter of Angelo).

 

 

This meeting provided fans and enthusiasts with the opportunity to get closer to a racing legend and to hear stories and anecdotes from his career.

The evening continued with a dinner at the Park Hotel Ai Cappuccini, an elegant setting where, during the meal, Arnoux shared further details of his career, captivating all those in attendance.

The event was further enhanced by a photographic exhibition that celebrated the highlights of the hill climbs and a charity soccer match between the Hill Climb Drivers’ National Team and the Umbria Fire Brigade, contributing to a festive and convivial atmosphere.

 

The Race Weekend

The weekend of the Luigi Fagioli Trophy marked the climax of the competition with a series of thrilling events.

> Saturday was devoted to official trials, where drivers had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the 4,150-meter Gubbio-Madonna della Cima track and fine-tune their strategies for the races.

> Sunday, the race day, saw an exceptional turnout of spectators and a participation of 211 drivers.

The competitions determined the winners of the 2024 SuperSalita national titles, with the Luigi Fagioli Trophy also featuring the GT Parade and a traditional competition for historic cars.

The event confirmed its prestige through the quality of the competitions and flawless organization.

 

 

Simone Faggioli’s Triumph: A Victory with the Nova Proto NP01

During the 59th edition of the competition, Simone Faggioli achieved a memorable triumph, securing his 14th victory in the event. With a total time of 3’11″83 (1’35″74 in race 1 and 1’36″09 in race 2), Faggioli once again demonstrated his dominance in the hill climb racing scene, showcasing his talent and precision while piloting his Nova Proto NP01.

The Race and Competitors

Behind Faggioli, Luigi Fazzino secured the second position with the Osella PA30, while Francesco Conticelli took third place with another Nova Proto NP01. The podium highlighted an excellent competition, featuring high-caliber drivers from both Italy and abroad, who provided thrilling and spectacular races.

Tricolor Titles and Other Results

Among the winners in various categories were:

– Marco Gramenzi in the Silhouette Group
– Marco Iacoangeli in the GT category (with the title currently under adjudication)
– Salvatore Tortora in TCR
– Giacomo Liuzzi in RS Plus
– Oronzo Montanaro in RS Turbo
– Antonio Vassallo in RS

 

The Role of INVECO in the 59th Luigi Fagioli Trophy

Filippo Barbetti, CEO of INVECO, expressed his satisfaction with the success of the event:

“We are extremely proud of how the 59th Luigi Fagioli Trophy unfolded. It was an honor to host René Arnoux and witness the enthusiastic response from the audience and participants. This event not only reaffirmed its prestige but also celebrated the passion and dedication to motorsport. The support of all sponsors, including INVECO, was crucial in executing this event to the high standard it deserved. I thank everyone involved, from the drivers to the organizers, and look forward to continuing to contribute to unforgettable experiences like this in the future.”