Paolo Stanzani and Mario Poltronieri have passed away. Minardi "I lost two friends"

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It is a sad day. I do not know what to say. In a single day I lose two great friends, Paul Scanzani and Mario Poltronieri. Stanzani was one of my partners in F1 when the Scuderia Italia joined the Minardi team. Together, we shared many decisions. We met again in Imola during the Historic Minardi Day and exchanged greetings at Christmas. I especially embrace his daughter Chiara.

I am forced to also greet Mario Poltronieri, a RAI historical journalist and a great driver in the 60s and 70s with Abarth. We shared living rooms as pundits to remember our past, telling the present.

It is a sad day for our country that loses two historical characters related to the world of Motorsport.

 

Gian Carlo Minardi receives the prize "Una vita per lo sport"

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In the set of Piazza del Popolo in Faenza,  Saturday 10th September, Gian Carlo Minardi received the Panathlon Club Faenza prize entitled “Una vita per lo sport”, a  prize created in 1990 dedicated to those citizens from Faenza who have distinguished themselves in sport.

“It is the second prize that I receive from the city of Faenza. I received the first one, “Faentino sotto la torre”, in 1987, after my entrance into Formula 1 World Championship with the Minardi team. These are the most important prizes that the municipal administration of Faenza gives to its citizens, and I am proud of both of them”, Gian Carlo Minardi says.

A recognition that does not come just for the results achieved in 21 F1 seasons. “I was chairman of the greco-Roman wrestling club and currently I am still  chairman of the Faenza Calcio”, the manager from Faenza continues.

“It was a great pleasure to receive the prize from Mauro Benericetti, chairman of the Panathlon Club Faenza and from Lieutenant Colonel Giuseppe Minissale, chairman of the agonistic department of the Army Sports Centre. It happened in the presence of its Olympic athletes:  Odette Giuffrida (silver medal in judo, in recent  Brazilian Olympic Games) Brazil Fabio Parisi (greco-Roman wrestling), John Sarchioto (boxing), Raffaele Di Serio (boxing), Licia Martignani (Taekwondo), Lara Mori and Erika Fasana (artistic gymnastics). As President of the Commission speed ACI Sport, I am working together with Lieutenant Colonel Minissale to activate a collaboration with the center“.

During the weekend of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, Lieutenant Colonel Giuseppe Minissale, along with the medalists Basile and Chamizo, guided by Gian carlo Minardi, have touched the environment of Formula 1.

Bandini Trophy. Minardi "Verstappen is mature and enjoyable"

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Max Verstappen received the Bandini Trophy in Brisighella. The prize, dedicated to the Ferrari driver from Romagna passed away for a car accident in 1967, since 1992 has rewarded emerging drivers. This year, the promoters wanted to award the talent of the very young Red Bull driver, winner in the Spanish GP. Thanks to that seal, with his debut at the wheel of the Red Bull Racing after a promotion from Toro Rosso, Max became the youngest driver to win a F1 GP at the age of 18 years, 7 months and 15 days.

“Max Verstappen is very pleasant and mature in his answers. We must applaud the committee that once again identified and rewarded a driver with a major F1 career in front of him. It was a wonderful evening with a great feedback from the public. A prize that has been growing for 20 years, attracting a lot of authorities and important people in the small municipality of Brisighella. There was a beautiful exhibition with ten Toro Rosso, the Porsche that won at Le Mans and two Lamborghini to remember the centenary of Ferruccio Lamborghini’s birth”, Gian Carlo Minardi says.

The Bandini Trophy to Max Verstappen

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It is Max Verstappen the winner of the 23th edition of the Bandini Trophy. The award ceremony, that takes places as usual in Brisighella on Sunday June 17, will crown the young Red Bull driver, the youngest driver to win a Formula 1 Grand Prix in his eighteens in Barcelona. After last season focused on the win of Mercedes as Constructors’ World champion, the event focuses again on the drivers who have been in a great shape. Verstappen inherits a prize that in the last years went to drivers like Schumacher, Raikkonen, Alonso, Vettel, and Hamilton, great champions who with their brilliant career then have testified the foresight of the prize organizers capable of discovering and giving value to talents as nobody else in this field. “After last season with witch we celebrated the win accomplished by Mercedes 50 years later its last victory, this year we are back to our origins, rewarding an emerging driver that in a few time has gained notoriety. Last year, at seventeen years, he debuted in a F1 world championship. This year he was confirmed with flying colors trough a flash promotion into Red Bull, a promotion that he repaid with his win in Spain and two second places”, says Gian Carlo Minardi, who has been part of the Honor Committee for 23 years.“His win in Spain proves that the choice was right also because his promotion into Red Bull Racing came before his win. Verstappen has shown a certain improvement and maturation after each appointment”.

Verstappen is a model to follow for the drivers and for the stables

“It is a good signal for all the young, but also for the stables” the manager from Faenza continues and stresses the importance of giving an opportunity to young drivers. “Max was good at exploiting all the opportunities, from his debut into Toro Rosso up to his passage into Red Bull baptized with a win. There are other drivers that would deserve an opportunity, and it would be an incentive both for the teams and official drivers”. The arrival of the Dutch driver put some pressure on Ricciardo, creating a healthy and productive competition within the team, a competition that urges them to do always their best. “The project for the youth of Red Bull offered us a lot of satisfactions, but burned some drivers. They have an important economic power that allows them to have a turnover, moreover they can count on a Junior-Team”.

 Fuoco, Ghiotto, Marciello, and Giovinazzi

 Our mind flies fast to our standard-bearers Antonio Fuoco, Luca Ghiotto, Raffaele Marciello and Anthonio Giovinazzi, who are doing well in their respective GP3 and GP2 Series championships. At Silverstone, it was the turn of Antonio Fuoco for sounding the notes of the hymn of Mameli while in Baku Giovinazzi brought the tricolor onto the summit winning twice. “As a Federation, we are very pleased with the results, because these guys were selectioned and followed through internships. At Silverstone Fuoco he won his first GP3 race, while Giovinazzi and Ghiotto have occupied important positions in Gp2. Now, the resources of ACI Team Italia are limited and we cannot afford any mistakes. However, having the support of our Federation may open to new opportunities. At the moment, we lack a reference team with which boys can do their debut, making the most of our work”.

Ferrari Driver Academy

During the collective tests at Silverstone, Charles Leclerc, GP3 leader and FDA driver debuted with Ferrari SF-H16. “Massimo Rivola is doing a great job as a coordinator and Sporting Director of this reality dedicated to the youth that wants to re-launch itself after missed results. Unfortunately, Jules Bianchi, FDA reference driver, passed away. Despite his young age, the Monegasque is fighting for the GP3 title along with Fuoco, and during testing on the English track he alternated himself with Kimi Raikkonen at the wheel, after impressing the Haas team in free practice”. 

100 years of "Targa Florio"

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The 100th edition of the Targa Florio was displayed Thuesday April 19, 2016 in Rome at the Automobile Club Italia. Aci President Angelo Sticchi Damiani, Gian Carlo Minardi (who is actively engaged in its organization), mayor of Palermo Leoluca Orlando, mayor of Cefalù Rosario La Punzina, president of the Autoclub of Palermo, Angelo Pizzuto, and the CEO of ACI Sport Marco Rogano attended the event.

From 5 to 8 May 2016, Targa Florio Rally, Targa Florio Historic Rally, Targa Florio Classic and Historic Speed, in the prestigious setting of the Ferrari Tribute, will attract the attention of thousands of Sicilian fans along the streets that saw the greatest masters of the wheel compete in the historic speed race.

“We can’t talk about the Targa without thinking to the land where it takes place and to the culture of an island that gave so much to Italy and to the World. The success of an event that has been able to continue and reach 100 editions is in this symbiosis, between the sport event and the culture of the land where it was born“, Aci president, Angelo Sticchi Damiani, done the honors. “The Automobile Club Italia has always supported this event, following it along its growth, and carrying on a well-structured work that in the last years was also developed through a close cooperation with the Automobile Club of Palermo.

A great race that has in it four exclusive events , the International Targa Florio rally of Sicily, Targa Florio Historic rally, Targa Florio Classic, and Targa Florio historic speed. From 5 to 8 May, we will all be able to become protagonists of a unique event that will retrace all the splendid steps of the race born in 1906.

“A huge task that sees the Automobile Club d’Italia, its women and its men, engaged at their best to make everything work in the best way, paying tribute to that crazy idea, to that forward-looking, but extremely modern and revolutionary project of Vincenzo Florio “, president Sticchi Damiani concluded.

“The 100th anniversary of Targa Florio is a worldwide event. It isn’t just the oldest race of the world, it marks the evolution of a century of motoring and  celebrates the “Targa Florio” phenomenon that beyond sport has characterized an era from a cultural, historic, and social point of view”, president of the Automobile Club of Palermo, Angelo Pizzuto, said. “From a brainwave of Vincenzo Florio, the tycoon who in 1906 decided to follow his passion with the organization of the first edition. A cultural movement was born which attracted kings and nobility from all the Europe to the finish line of the Targa Florio, mixing the competitive side of a hard and difficult race with socialite life that used to promote exhibitions and great dancing parties. An unmistakable style that has influenced the ‘work of architects and artists around the world “,Pizzuto concluded.

Present at the press conference, mayor of Palermo Leoluca Orlando and mayor of Cefalu Rosario La Punzina brought the greetings from two places that have always represented the Targa Florio and Sicily in the world. The both of the two places are UNESCO sites. Palermo and its history, Cefalù and its wonderful views, are ready to welcome and properly celebrate the 100th edition of the Targa Florio.

Targa Florio Rally, the 100th edition of theTarga Florio, is the third event of the Italian Rally Championship, valid for the Regional Championship. It also is the third seasonal round of the Italian Car Rally Autostoriche Championship, which will bring on the Sicilian roads those cars that have made the Targa Florio great in the 70’s and 80’s, the years of epic rally.

Targa Florio Historic Rally, the special stage “100 Targa” to both Rallies, from Florianopolis to Cerda, will bring the racing cars in front of the automobile temple, the Floriopoli Tribune, the hub of the four events of the 100th Targa Florio. Palermo, Campofelice di Roccella, Cefalu, Cerda Collesano, Gratteri, are centers where the Targa was born and raised, and where it continues looking to the future.

Targa Florio Classic, the unique competition reserved to cars of particular historical and sporting prestige, is the reference event for lovers of vintage cars. The “Classic” will be an opportunity to admire the most beautiful ones among the most prestigious brands of Vintage Cars, built from 1906 to 1970, which will perform on the streets of Madonie and Sicily.

Historic speed is an event wisely directed by Giancarlo Minardi. It will give the opportunity to admire the champions who shaped the history of the race on the historic route from Floriopoli to Cerda: from Jacky Ickx to Nino Vaccarella, from Arturio Merzario to Gijs Van Lennep, to Sandro Munari, Carlo Facetti, Nanni Galli, the Austrian driver Helmut Marko, and many other top names. The cars will be at the same level. From the Alfa Romeo T33 to the Porsche Carrera SLR cars of the Historical Museum to the Ferrari ones”. To enrich the ranks of distinguished guests, also Jean Todt, FIA president, and Muthar Kent, Coca Cola CEO, will be present.

To celebrate the 100 editions of the Targa Florio, an extraordinary meeting in Palermo will take place with drivers and characters who wrote indelible pages in the history of the oldest race in the world.

From 16:00 of Saturday May 7 2016, at the Teatro Massimo of Palermo, it will take place the Passion Day with the audience of enthusiasts.

Mauro Coppini, director of FormulaPassion.it along with Ezio Zermiani will interview great motoring names who have participated over the years in the Targa Florio editions.

Ninni Vaccarella, the legendary “flying dean” linked to the race in the Madonie, Mauro Forghieri, Jacky Ickx, Helmut Marko, Hans Hermann, Vic Elford, Andrea de Adamich, Arturo Merzario, Sandro Munari, Nanni Galli, and Carlo Facetti  are just a few of the  guests that will intervene in Palermo. This event is part of the official program for the celebrations of the 100 editions of the Targa Florio organized by ACI Sport. The admission is free.

Prestigious brands will enhance the 100th edition of the Targa Florio, associating their name to “a cursa”. Alfa Romeo and Abarth, linked with this race due to some important sporting victories, will be the Main Sponsors of the event. Eberhard & Co. will sponsor it for the first time as Official Time Keeper and will present a special model dedicated to the 100th Targa Florio and to the competitors who will have the opportunity to live this extraordinary experience.

Another Official Sponsor of the Targa Florio will be MA.FRA, a leader in the cosmetics industry for cars that in the frame of the Sicilian streets of the Madonie, between one stage and the next, will offer some special treatments to the precious bodywork and delicate interiors of the historic cars.

Poste Italiane will also be an Official Sponsor of the event, enriching the presence of prestigious brands alongside the Targa Florio. On this occasion, Targa Florio will offer its support to ANT that has offered home care for tumor ill since many years.

For any information about the race consult www.targa-florio.it site.

 

Gian Carlo Minardi remembers the unforgettable Michele

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“With Michele, there has always been a beautiful relationship of mutual respect. I am glad he started and finished his carrer as a professional in a single-seater with the Minardi Team. Once he retired, we programmed to cooperate to help the development of Italian motor sport” Gian Carlo Minardi remembers.

In 1981, Minardi recruites two drivers for the second season of the Minardi Team in F2: Johnny Cecotto and a still little known young by the name of Michele Alboreto, providing them with the Minardi-Fly M281 designed by Caliri and Marmioli and equipped with the well-tested BMW engine prepared by Heini Mader. The new endeavour of the stable from Faenza starts brilliantly, also thanks to the talent of Michele who immediately put his more experienced team-mate in trouble: 3°place at Thruxton and Pergusa, pole position at Paul and victory at Misano in the midst of the scorching Riviera’s August. “It was a growing season that, thanks to Michele’s skill, gave us the first and unique Minardi Team victory. To us it was the second season as constructors”.

The streets of Minardi and Alboreto cross again in 1994, last season in Formula 1 of the driver from Milan, before moving to GT racings and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.“Unfortunately the results he achieved don’t match up the true value of a driver like Michele. He collected less than he deserved. He arrived at Ferrari in a difficult time. Already in 1981, I tried to persuade engineer Enzo Ferrari to bet on Michele. Unfortunately he didn’t pay attention to me, but in 1994 I had my “payback”: Alboreto became a Ferrari driver” the Manager from Faenza continues, and he also tells us an anecdote: “Michele was the subject of the my unique disagreement with the great Enzo Ferrari when in 1983 I told Autosprint that I had pointed out Michele’s talent to Ferrari. At that statement, the Drake responded with a letter that I still conserve”.

“Ended the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2001, we would had to start our project to make Italian motoring grow. I have been able to start this project in part with the first ACI CSAI Formula borned in memory of Michele Alboreto and with the Federal School which is named after him” Minardi concludes his memory.

Golden Helmet to Gian Carlo Minardi

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“I am truly honoured to receive this prestigious reward. One for all, I want to thank Autosprint editorAlberto Sabatini”. It is the first comment of Gian Carlo Minardi after being awarded with Autosprint Golden Helmet for his career and his engagement in Motorsport with Minardi F1 Team.

“After accompanying on stage a lot of young drivers who have drived with me, I am glad I received this prize in a so important occasion like the fiftieth year and among many illustrious names who wrote the history of autosport like President Luca Cordero di Montezzemolo, Mario Andretti and Marco Tronchetti Provera, along with new protagonists like Luca Ghiotto, Antonio Giovinazzi, and Riccardo Agostini”.

We are also glad to announce the prize received by Alessandro Nannini that we have met some days ago for a plesant chat.

Gian Carlo Minardi professor for a day at DZ

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Thanks to the project “The history of Ferrari, an Italian excellence”, The Dino Zoli Foundation has become a classroom for the pupils of the middle school Fiorini in Villanova.

Setting aside his role as a team principal and a talent scout, Gian Carlo Minardi has filled the shoes of a teacher, along with the hosts Dino and Monica Zoli, to recount the history of Ferrari, World Champion with Michael Schumacher.

This event is going to be the first of a series of activities involving a lot of school disciplines with an educational trip in Maranello and a final event, a Ferrari meeting, in the school garden.The aim of the project is to teach in depth the history of the ‘900 and the companies from Romagna that have tied indissolubly their entrepreneurial work out of no were to the most famous company in the world.

Another important purpose is to make it clear to future generations that it is just passion that makes people able to achieve goals that are unbelievable at the beginning of their career.

A.A.A. Formula 1 for sale

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Without being denied by Mr. Bernie Ecclestone, the possibility of a new F1 owner has been back in the limelight in the last few days. “There are three groups interested in purchasing F1 and there will be a new owner within the end of the year”. Mr. E would keep his position as he has declared himself. “The Groups interested in acquiring F1 royalties asked me to keep my role”.

At present the Circus is under the control of CVC capital Partners which would be willing to transfer 30% of its assets. According to rumors, among the candidates, there would be the current owner of the most famous American football team, Stephen Ross’ Miami Dolphins, along with the sheiks of Qatar who already own Paris Saint German.

Some time ago also Dietrich Mateschitz, owner of Red Bull and Toro Rosso stable has been mentioned. A name that manager from Faenza Gian Carlo Minardi really appreciates as he declared at www.minardi.it.“There is no question, we need a charismatic man with exceptional business and marketing skills. Mateschitz has demonstrated to be very capable. At this time, F1 needs someone able to attract new audience”. Surely there would be some problems with the ownership of his two F1 teams. 

Monica Zoli, Made in Italy in Singapore: the interview

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After Ferrari and Sebastian Vettel won the Singapore night race, www.minardi.it had the pleasure of meeting Monica Zoli, CEO of DZ Engineering, Dino Zoli Group’s company from Forlì, in charge not only for the lighting of the circuit. In a few years, thanks to its unique scenic design, the Marina Bay Street Circuit has captured fan’s and insiders’ interest.

What is the task of DZ Engineering during the F1 Gp weekend in Singapore?
We are talking about an audio-video integrated system where the lighting aspect rules the roost from a scenic viewpoint. We also support the Race Control Room by our video surveillance systems. With our video cameras we monitor the areas of the entire circuit. For instance, our videos are at disposal for the inquiry into the track invasion.

How many months the work of assembly and dis-assembly lasts?
We start to install in early May and close with the storage at the Singapore Gp warehouse in late November. The work of diassasembly begins immediately after the end of the race. This year our offices are located in the same building that houses the Singapore Gp. They wanted us nearby ( Monica Zoli smiles) in order to be at hand.

About F1, what are your plans for the next few years?
Our goal is to keep growing. The Asian area is very susceptible to Motor-Sport. Our main purpose is the renewal of the contract with the Singapore Gp that has started its negotiations about the extension of its contract for the next five years (from 2018 to 2022). About F1, at time we haven’t other requests even if we’d like to work with Monza and Imola our house circuit. It would be great if it succeeded in getting F1 back.

What about other championships?
We have started to work with the electric series “Formula E” for the Malaysian Eprix at Putrajaya and with Kuala Lumpur for the first edition of the KL City Grand Prix in August. It was a daily event so our task concerned TVCC audio and radio communication systems between the marshals in the field and the Operation Center. Beyond the four-wheel, Dz Engineering collaborates with the Sepang circuit in view of event of the MotorGp World Championship, as well as with the States.

Talking about contract renewals, did you meet Mr. Bernie Ecclestone?
Actually our renewal doesn’t directly affect Mr. Ecclestone because our client is the Singapore Gp, with whom we have a really good relationship. There is a mutual consideration that has reinforced during the years. They could appreciate us for our versatility and competence and we do appreciate them.

Singapore is an event that has entered the heart of fans because of the scenic beauty also appreciated by the protagonists: the drivers.
The city of Singapore intensely experiences the F1 Gran Prix. All years I fly to Singapore on the occasion of this event and I sense this mood every time. There are also a lot of collateral events that offers a complete set of fun where F1 is at the center. In my opinion it is one of the most beautiful circuit thanks to its spectacular nature due to a brilliant lighting, stable along the whole circuit.

Yet, some journalists suggested that some bends were more dark than others.
I’d really like to know the basis of these opinions. The lighting is absolutely stable and it doesn’t create any dazzling: it is proved by technical field surveys. In Brisighella, during the ceremony of the Bandini Trophy I had the opportunity to talk with Davide Valsecchi, driver and Sky commentator who has run in Singapore. He declared that it is one of the most beautiful circuit where you can run. If he say that I have to believe.

Your work has also an essential effect on driver and insider’s security. How does technology has evolved in recent years?
We have improved the reliability and the capacity of the spotlights, the quality of power generators from Turkey. We have improved HD images by integration and quality. It is an on-going work that follows the development of the circuit too. To us every change is an occasion to introduce some improvements. This technology then become a landmark for others circuits.

For “Made in Italy” it was a sensational week-end also due to the success of Ferrari.
Watching the tricolor waving was a delight. There were us and Ferrari. We felt a great delight, as the rest of Italy as the TV audience proves. This kind of event helps the F1 image along with Sebastian Vettel’s enthusiasm and congeniality. He is the link between fans and Ferrari.

Merry Christmas and Happy 2015

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It’s ended a year full of emotions for Formula 1 World Championship. A departure among so much criticism and doubts that, however, let us experience a championship always evolving, despite the introduction of many technical news. A season in which, outside F1, we heard the National Anthem playing several times, inside and outside the national borders, thanks to the successes of our guys, engaged in the major Championships. 2014 is archived with the successes of Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton, together with Ferrari Constructors’ Championship victory with Gimmi Bruni, the revolution and redefinition of Ferrari’s organization and the birth of Formula 4, with ACI and Italy that have been the open track for this newborn world-wide Formula.

Waiting for 2015 full of those results that are within the reach of our Constructors and Drivers,

Best Wishes to all of you, Happy Holidays.

Gian Carlo, Giovanni, Giuseppe, Ferdinando Minardi and Minardi.it Press Office.

Giovanni Minardi visits Birel Factory

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After closing a partnership agreement with Alberto Tonti to pursue the ambitious project to scout future champions starting from go-karting, which is the first step to climb the motorsport ladder, this morning, the manager Giovanni Minardi has visited the Birel factory, which is a leading company in the world of go-karting.

Minardi had the chance to see the 6000 metres squared Birel headquarter, together with the company founder Ronnie Sala. “I’m very pleased to have met Ronni and have had the chance to see the Birel world with my own eyes”, says Giovanni Minardi, “This trip has given me the opportunity to come into contact with the different features of the world of go-karting. The factory has cutting edge tools and machines for go-kart building and it’s a very well-organised company.”

 

Merry Christmas and Happy 2014

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