This year, the Italian championship in major events began with the Alps Cup. 54 crews representing 13 countries, including the USA, Israel, Mexico, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Switzerland, came to the start of the first race of the season. In three days, the crews covered more than 1000 km, including 14 mountain passes through Italy, Switzerland and Austria.
With an advantage of 31 points, the crew of Gianmario Fontanella and Anna Maria Covelli won the Lancia Aprilia 1939. After the race, Gianmario commented on the results, and also spoke about the differences between Winterace and Coppa delle Alphi.
— You took the lead on the third day of the competition. What was decisive in the fight against the crew of Di Pietra?
-After a successful start on the second day of the race, we took the lead. By the third day we had a big advantage. For us to lose, something catastrophic had to happen. We allowed ourselves to relax a bit. However, the first half of the race of the second day did not bring the desired results. So, we decided to shift the reference points in order to correct our actions (mine and Anna’s). I believe that this decision allowed us to win.
— If you compare the race in 2019 and 2022, which one was more difficult?
-I think both races were technical and quite difficult both in the photocells and in the average speed tests.
— Will you participate in any races before the Mille Miglia in June?
— Yes, we will have competitions where we will test Lambda Casaro, of course, on the Mugello track.
— You often participate in Winterace. Are there any significant differences between the preparation for this race and the Coppa delle Alpi?
— In winter races, time is measured using a pressure switch, as in almost all retro races. At the Coppa delle Alpi, as well as at the Winter Marathon (winter races on snowy or muddy roads), the time is recorded using a photocell 10 cm from the road.
We are even talking about the fact that studded tires may not work during a race using a pressure switch! As a result, the principle of passing time control cut-offs changes significantly. Therefore, for such races you need to prepare differently.
I would like to remind you that I am the only one who has won all 4 Alpine competitions: Stella Alpina, Winter Marathon, Winter Race and Coppa delle Alpi.