Mercedes-Benz celebrates the centenary of the Targa Florio at the Trofeo Bandini
Toto Wolff revealed that Mercedes will introduce additional updates to their W15 in Imola this weekend and hopes that the typical weekend structure will help them improve the car’s setup. Despite Lewis Hamilton’s podium in the Sprint, the Miami GP proved to be another disappointing event for the eight-time F1 champions. Their struggle to establish a consistent setup for the W15 resulted in variable performance from session to session, making the Sprint weekend in Miami, which included only one practice session, not very useful. The upcoming Emilia Romagna Grand Prix will follow a conventional format, with three free practice sessions, which should favor Mercedes, considering the updates they are bringing to the race.
In the Mercedes race preview, Wolff stated: “Now we have completed a quarter of the season. The first six races presented challenges, but we have gained a clear understanding of the areas where we need to improve and have developed a clear plan to address them. It will take a few more races before we see the results of our efforts, but everyone is working diligently to implement these changes as quickly as possible. In the meantime, we will seek to maximize the potential of our current package. We will introduce additional updates in Imola and hopefully they will push us in the right direction.”
Wolff also highlighted the return to a more typical weekend format after two consecutive Sprints. This change allows more time to adjust the car setup. However, he acknowledged that Imola remains a challenging circuit that tests both the vehicle and the driver. The track features a combination of fast and flowing sections, as well as slow corners and a bumpy and tricky surface. Its narrow layout poses difficulties for overtaking, and significant elevation changes increase the demanding nature of the circuit. Despite these challenges, Mercedes is looking forward to the race.
Imola holds significance in F1 history as the circuit where the sport lost the legendary Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger 30 years ago. Wolff took the opportunity to pay tribute to them, stating: “Along with the rest of the paddock, we will take a moment to reflect and remember Roland Ratzenberger and Ayrton Senna, who tragically passed away three decades ago.”
Mercedes will be celebrating a significant achievement in its motorsport history by commemorating its triumph in the Targa Florio race in 1924. According to Wolff, the team will also be recognizing the centenary of Mercedes-Benz’s victory in the same race. The Mercedes-Benz Classic team has successfully restored the original car, and they are looking forward to its appearance at the Trofeo Bandini award ceremony and on the track during the weekend.
In an official statement, Mercedes announced that George Russell will have the opportunity to drive one of the original cars that participated in the Targa Florio race on May 15, Wednesday. The 26-year-old driver will be behind the wheel of the recently restored two-liter vehicle, courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Classic. This drive will serve as a prelude to the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix weekend and will allow Russell to receive this year’s Trofeo Bandini.
The Trofeo Bandini was established in 1992 to honor the memory of the renowned Italian racing driver, who passed away in 1967. A special committee selects a figure from Formula 1 to receive this prestigious trophy. The ceremony takes place in Brisighella, a village located in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. George Russell will drive the century-old car from the neighboring town of Faenza to the village square, where the award ceremony will take place. This drive not only celebrates Mercedes’ victory in the Targa Florio, but also commemorates the historical significance of the event.
Russell expressed his excitement about the opportunity to drive one of the iconic cars from the rich history of Mercedes-Benz motorsport. Since joining the team in 2017, he has been fascinated by the brand’s remarkable legacy, including visits to the museum and the ‘Holy Halls’ in Stuttgart. Driving the Mercedes 2-liter Targa Florio race car will give him a glimpse of the challenges faced by the top drivers a century ago. Russell praised the impeccable restoration work done by Mercedes-Benz Classic and emphasized the importance of driving such a remarkable vehicle to celebrate a monumental victory and receive the Trofeo Bandini. He eagerly anticipates a warm welcome in Brisighella and expressing his gratitude to the committee for their generous recognition.
Regarding the Trofeo Bandini, Mercedes clarified that it was established in 1992 to honor the memory of the famous Italian racing driver who passed away in 1967. This prestigious trophy is awarded to a prominent figure in Formula 1, chosen by a special committee. The award ceremony takes place in Brisighella, a village located in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. George Russell’s drive in the town’s centenary car from the neighboring town of Faenza to the village square not only celebrates the award but also pays tribute to Mercedes’ historic victory in the Targa Florio race.
Mercedes announced its plans to rebuild the original 2-liter Targa Florio racing car from its own collection. The Targa Florio, a renowned endurance race on public roads held in the mountains of Sicily, Italy, has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s. Known as one of the toughest competitions in the automotive world, it quickly became a platform for manufacturers to showcase their latest innovations. In 1924, Mercedes entered the race with its 2-liter Targa Florio racing car, which has been meticulously restored to its original glory by Mercedes-Benz Classic. The car, driven by Christian Werner, secured the German brand’s second victory in the race, completing it in a time of eight hours, 17 minutes, and three seconds. Unfortunately, Werner’s winning car did not survive, but Mercedes-Benz Classic embarked on an extensive search and analysis to recreate the vehicle as authentically as possible. The restoration process involved consulting original technical drawings and historical photos, ensuring that the car met the high standards of a factory restoration. The project was carried out by the Classic Centre in collaboration with a network of specialists.
© 2024
2024 was a year of great achievements in the world of sports. Several teams and athletes shone in different modalities, bringing pride and excitement to fans. In this article, we will highlight some of the most memorable moments of the year.
In soccer, the Brazilian national team won the long-awaited World Cup title. Under the command of a renowned coach, the team showed exceptional performance and won all the tournament matches. The final was thrilling, with a decisive goal in the final minutes. The players celebrated with a big party, and the whole country came together to celebrate this historic achievement.
In basketball, the United States team dominated the Olympic Games, taking home the gold medal. With a roster full of NBA stars, the team showed their superiority in every game. The players demonstrated skill and teamwork, making it clear why they are considered the best in the world.
In tennis, a young promise emerged and won the hearts of fans. At just 18 years old, she became the Grand Slam champion, defeating experienced and renowned players. Her determination and talent impressed everyone, and she became an inspiration for many young athletes.
In motorsport, a Brazilian driver shone on the tracks. With skill and courage, he won the Formula 1 World Championship. His speed and technique left his opponents behind, and he became an idol for racing fans.
These are just a few of the unforgettable moments that marked the year 2024 in the world of sports. Certainly, we will have many more emotions and achievements in the coming years. Stay tuned for more news and incredible stories from the sports world.
