Every year several hundred crews go to the start of the Mille Miglia, dreaming of reaching the first step of the podium, but only a few succeed. This year Fabio Salvinelli became one of those who inscribed his name in the history of «the most beautiful road race in the world» by winning the race with Andrea Vesco onboard an Alfa Romeo 6C 1750.
-Congratulations to your first victory at Mille Miglia, but let us go back a little. When Andrea Vesco offered you to take part as a duo, did you accept it at once or did it take you several days to think it over?
-Thank you, I formulated my answer in a few seconds, participating in the Mille Miglia at such a high level (both driver and car) is a must. Andrea Vesco is a friend I hold in high esteem.
-Before the start of the Mille Miglia Andrea Guerini said that there is 75% chance that the struggle for the victory will be between your team and Moceri/Bonetti. Is it difficult to start being one of the projected winners?
-You should never take anything for granted, before this race many drivers fall into the «trap» of potential winners, but after so many participations experience also teaches you to stay focused.
-As Mr Vesco said, that was the most exciting race because it was only after the last time control section when he realised that he won. What were your emotions at the moment you actually knew that it was your victory?
-After the last group of crono stage the feeling was that we had achieved good times, we stopped to follow the update of the rankings in real time that confirmed the excellent result. From that moment on it was a series of emotions that I am still savouring. Not even now do I believe that I am the winner of the 2021 Mille Miglia.
-Going through the participants’ lists of the previous editions of MM from 2013, we took notice that you were there only in 2014 (correct us if we are wrong). Why have you been having such a long pause?
-During a ski training session I was seriously injured and broke my shoulder, so I stayed away from racing for a long time. I returned to the 2020 Mille Miglia in 14th place in a 1930 Fiat 514 MM.
-After winning Trofeo Valli Bresciane, you said, «I know the car (Alfa Romeo) that I used to drive when was part of Alfa Romeo Team in Arese». Could you tell us a bit more about that experience of yours?
-Yes, I think I am one of the few privileged drivers to have driven some cars from the Alfa Romeo Museum, mainly I was given the 6C 1750 Zagato (6th in the 2010 Mille Miglia and 9th in 2011) and the 6C 1500SS (6th in the 2012 Mille Miglia and 6th in 2014). After these experiences and many kilometres travelled, some people call me a pre-war Alfa specialist. However, I have had the honour of driving authentic jewels, apart from the cars mentioned above, I have driven the Disco Volante (unique example) the Disco Volante Spyder (advanced design car) the 2000 Sportiva (4-wheel jewel) the Giulietta SZ coda tronca (3 examples) and the Giulia Ti Quadrifoglio Verde (saloon car created for racing).
-What did your passion for retro-automobiles start with? You know, it sometimes seems that every single Brixian has something to devote to regularity races.
-My father passed on his passion for motors to me, then living in the Brescia area, the passion for the Mille Miglia came as a consequence.
-You often take part in rallies with your son. Was it important that he followed your footsteps and shared the same hobby and passion or was it his own wish to join you in rallies?
-My son and I started out as a game, then we found ourselves having the same competitive spirit, creating the winning feeling during our races. I’m happy that he follows my passion, it’s very nice the father/son team.
-You drive a 1954 Fiat 110/103. Could you tell us the story of this vehicle?
-The Fiat 1100, referred to as a family or people’s car, is a very suitable sedan for this discipline, easy to drive and very reliable.
-What has been the most remarkably race spent with your son so far?
-I don’t have a particular preference, rather I would say the whole championship of this year in which we ranked second overall and first in category RC3 with our Fiat 1100/103. Then the Winter Marathon 2021, where we covered all the passes in the Dolomites with a lot of snow and we were always very competitive, even if we drove the 1954 1100/103 (third overall).
-In what rally would you like to participate but have not done yet due to these or those reasons?
-I would love to take my son to the Mille Miglia in a competitive car.
Cover: Mille Miglia