In the 98 years since the founding of the Mille Miglia, only one person has been able to win more than 8 victories – Giuliano Cane. Fifteen years after setting the record, several people were able to win the race several times, but only one was able to approach the absolute record – Andrea Vesco. About motivation, competition and the preservation of the traditions of «Mille Miglia» Vesсo told in an interview with AutoClassicNews
-Which racing weekend was the hardest this year? As compared to last year?
-Every year the Mille Miglia brings new challenges, but I’d say this year the toughest weekend was in Tuscany, especially due to the unpredictable weather and the high level of competition. Compared to last year, there was more pressure right from the start, with many very well-prepared teams.
-After the 4th round you were within 64 points behind the crew Erejomovich/Llanos. How hard was it to rally your strength again and keep fighting?
-It was a tough moment, but that’s racing—you can’t always be in front. Fabio and I stayed focused, pulled together, and reacted with clarity. When you’re trailing, you have to manage the pressure, and honestly, that kind of challenge can actually push you even harder.
-Erejomovich/Llanos was 264 points behind you at the end of the race. If I remember correctly, it’s almost the smallest gap if we don’t count the 2021 race with a 56-point gap. Is it more relaxing to have a bigger gap? Or maybe it’s more exciting to have a direct challenge – what’s more important for you?
-A direct challenge makes everything more alive, more adrenaline-filled. Sure, having a wide margin is more “relaxing,” but personally, I prefer it when it comes down to the wire. That’s where the true essence of the Mille Miglia comes out. It’s not just about winning—it’s about how you win.
— You share the drive with Fabio to smooth the workload. Do you think it’d ever be obligatory for co-pilots to actually drive and not only read the map?
-Sharing the driving with Fabio is a decision based on balance and mutual respect. I don’t think it should be mandatory: each team has its own dynamic. The co-driver can contribute a lot even just as a navigator—it depends on how the team works together.
-The coef – 1.8 – is a part of winning. Do you think it needs to change to enlarge the number of contenders? Is it essential to change the rules from time to time to keep everyone interested?
-The coefficient is part of the strategy and charm of the Mille Miglia. It’s fair to discuss it, maybe update some details, but without disrupting the tradition. The goal should be to keep interest high, yes, but always with respect for the history of the race.
-Every year the number of international teams grow bigger. Does it influence the race?
-Absolutely, and in a good way. The arrival of international teams raises the bar and gives the Mille Miglia an increasingly global dimension. It’s great to compete with different cultures and different racing styles—it enriches us all, not only as drivers but also as people.
-You have 8 wins, 6 in a row. What motivates you to keep going? Is it the excitement of victory, competitiveness, or something else?
-It’s a mix. There’s the will to challenge myself, the love for vintage cars, for the Italian roads. But most of all, it’s passion. Every Mille Miglia is unique, and as long as I have the enthusiasm and motivation, I’ll keep coming back.
-Fabio says you’re from Mars because you can win in the most difficult situations – is it hard to keep winning every year?
— Fabio is always very generous with his words. The truth is, winning is hard—but staying on top is even harder. Consistency comes from teamwork, preparation, and mindset: you need to stay focused even in the toughest moments.
-You’ve raced Mille Miglia for more than 20 years – which race was the most significant and which was the hardest?
-The most meaningful? Definitely my first win with my father—an unforgettable emotion. The hardest? Probably 2021: terrible weather, a relentless pace, and a neck-and-neck fight down to the last second. But for that very reason, it’s also one of the most beautiful.