While many see Fiorano as Ferrari’s homeground of speed, Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello in the Tuscany region of Italy, could be considered as Maranello’s home away from home. Since 1988, Ferrari have owned this iconic circuit, one filled with long straights and undulating corners, and one that’s adored by Formula 1 drivers and Moto GP stars alike, and so is the ideal playground for historic racers to stretch their legs a little. Enter, the inaugural Gran Premio Storico d’Italia, spanning the 2 to 4 October, it felt less like a visit and more like a family reunion. Our film crew packed their bags, and JP Rathgen, our host for the weekend, found himself in the paddock, struggling to count the F1 cars.
Our new 20-minute film is now live on the Classic Driver YouTube channel, following JP through the paddock and onto the circuit, guiding you through the history, and the admiration, that surrounds single-seater motorsport. Think of it as part history lesson, part love letter, and part excuse to turn your speakers up. Mugello’s first edition was built around a golden age, celebrating the era of Michael Schumacher, Eddie Irvine, Rubens Barrichello and Felipe Massa, a run that brought Ferrari 87 victories, five Drivers’ World Championships and six Constructors’ titles. Around ten of the single-seaters from that period came together for exhibitions and demonstrations, and the sound of those engines echoing through the valley is something you’ll struggle to forget. We can’t promise our film captures every decibel, but we tried.
The weekend wasn’t only about Ferrari, though. More than 200 cars took part, including everything from Formula Juniors to Le Mans prototypes and GT cars, with a generous number of F1 machines for good measure. It made for a paddock that was equal parts museum, workshop and playground, and a track that rarely fell silent. What stays with you is how personal it all feels. Some of the drivers were back in cars they raced decades ago, and mechanics fussed over cars that are as much sculpture as machine.
If you missed the weekend, the film is the next best thing, and perhaps the best seat in the house. Watch the full film now on the Classic Driver YouTube channel.
Photos by Simone Slawitz
