The Mille Miglia is a very famous antique car race that runs the length of Italy on open roads. In 2019, this race celebrates its 92nd edition and will take place from 15th to 18th May 2019. It was Enzo Ferrari, il Drake from Maranello, who defined the Mille Miglia in the 1950s as "the most beautiful car race in the world".
The Mille Miglia was one of the most important races held in Italy from 1927 to 1957. In its current iteration, which is held every year in mid-May, it is no longer a speed race as it once was in the past but has now become a regularity race: precision is the most important thing.
‘Mille Miglia’ means ‘a thousand miles’ in English, and 1000 miles is how far the participants drive, passing through beautiful villages and cities that are works of art. It’s no surprise that each edition attracts numerous participants and spectators from all over the world.
What are the rules of the Mille Miglia?
The rules of the competition are very simple: the race is always contested with cars produced during the years of the classic Mille Miglia speed race, that is, between 1927 and 1957, with some exceptions for cars manufactured in the early 20s. The cars that take part must be absolutely original. All the cars are scrupulously checked and must be registered and have several documents certifying their originality (the FIVA International Identity Card).
In a regular race of the Mille Miglia, the route must be completed in a pre-determined time, so competitors don't have to be the fastest but the most precise... and that's precisely what makes this race so difficult!
There are three types of controls on the Mille Miglia route:
- Time control (Controlli orari): 100 penalty points are set for every minute of difference from the set time. This part of the race is usually measured over long distances.
- Seal controls (Controlli timbro): the average speed should never exceed 50 km/h (30 mph) and these "control points" serve to ensure competitors respect the correct speed and prevent them from taking shortcuts.
- Time trial (Prove cronometrate): a penalty is given for every hundredth of a second of difference from the pre-established time.
There are two possible registration fees to take part in the Mille Miglia 2019:
- Basic: 8,000 euro (not including VAT)
- Gold: 10,000 euro (not including VAT)
These prices also include 4- and 5-star luxury hotels for all the participants.
Various prizes will be distributed throughout the race, from a trophy for the overall winner to one for the different categories of vehicles taking part in the race.
What route does the Mille Miglia 2019 take?
The total route of the race is 1,000 miles, from Brescia to Rome and vice versa, with the direction of travel changing every year. This is the complete itinerary of the Mille Miglia for the 2019 edition:
- Wednesday 15th May: The first day of the race begins in Brescia and continues in Desenzano, Sirmione, Valeggio sul Mincio, Mantua, Ferrara, Comacchio and Ravenna, arriving at Cervia Milano Marittima in the afternoon.
- Thursday 16th May: The race goes to Cesenatico and continues through Senigallia, Fabriano, Assisi, Perugia, Terni and Rieti until reaching Rome at dusk, against a beautiful, historical background.
- Friday 17th May: The race crosses the lakes of Vico and Viterbo, Radicofani, Castiglione d'Orcia, Siena, Vinci, Montecatini, Pistoia, crossing the historic Passo della Futa and Passo della Raticosa. The third stage will end in Bologna.
- Saturday 18th May: The last stage will pass through Modena, Reggio Emilia, Langhirano, Parma, Busseto, Montichiari and Travagliato, to finish with its triumphal entry into Brescia along the traditional promenade in Viale Venezia.
For more information about the Mille Miglia, visit the official website.
The Mille Miglia 2019 is a great opportunity to get to know some of Italy's most beautiful landscapes, see incredible classic cars and fuel your love of cars. Start your engines!
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