There are four women who have won the race overall in the history of the Mille Miglia: Lucia Galliani, Stefania Biacca, Barbara Ruffiniand and Margarita Tonconogy. How it was prepared for the race? What does it mean to win the most famous retro race in the world and promote women’s participation? All about this are in an interview with Margarita Tonconogy for AutoClassicNews.
How did your passion for motorsport begin?
-I have always had a passion for cars, but it wasn’t until I entered my first rally that my passion grew even stronger. Through competing, I developed an even deeper appreciation for classic cars. Racing allowed me to understand them, connect with them, and admire them in a completely new way. From that moment on, my passion only continued to grow.
Do you remember your first race? What was it like?
-My first rally was in 2015, the Rally de las Bodegas in Mendoza, Argentina. I was encouraged by my brother, Juan, who insisted that I should take part. After that, I didn’t compete again until the end of 2019 at the Rally de las Escuderías in Buenos Aires. From that moment on, I became truly excited about rallying and started to practice more seriously.
You compete both in Italy and abroad. Where do you enjoy racing the most?
-I enjoy competing in both Italy and Argentina. Racing in Italy is certainly more competitive, but it also comes with the challenge of travelling well in advance to practice and dealing with any unexpected issues the car might have. The logistics are definitely more demanding. I absolutely love the experience. Racing in Italy has been incredibly rewarding, and I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to do it with my brother.
You often compete as a driver. Which role do you find more challenging—being the driver or the navigator?
-I started racing as a driver, and I truly enjoy training and competing in that role. I want to continue racing as a driver. However, I also enjoyed and learned so much from being my brother’s co-driver. It was a very special experience for me, and I will always be his co-driver whenever he needs me.
How did you prepare for the Mille Miglia?
-For the Mille Miglia, my brother and I prepared just the right amount. He has the experience to know exactly how much training is needed, what to focus on, and when enough is enough. We did everything we needed to do and followed the right path in our preparation. By the time the race started, we felt confident that we had done everything possible to be ready.
Was your preparation any different from that for other races?
-Our preparation for the Mille Miglia was no different from any other rally. We approached it with consistency, discipline, and calmness. We trusted our routine, stayed focused on the process, and prepared ourselves step by step without rushing.
You became only the fourth woman in history to stand on the top step of the Mille Miglia podium as a navigator. What was the most challenging part of the race for you?
-As far as I know, I am the fourth woman to have won the Mille Miglia. During the race, I truly felt that it was possible. We were in the right mental state—focused, confident, and fully committed. I have always been comfortable in a world surrounded by men, so I have never felt different or special because I am a woman. Whether I am a woman or a man is secondary to me. I am simply proud of what we achieved through dedication, teamwork, and hard work.
What emotions have you experienced when you crossed the finish line?
-The emotions my brother and I shared were beyond anything we had ever experienced. The happiness we felt is difficult to put into words. It’s something you can only truly feel. Winning the Mille Miglia was a dream come true for both of us. It was my very first Mille Miglia, and to win it made the experience even more extraordinary. It was a moment of pure joy that I will carry with me forever.
Do you think more should be done to encourage women’s participation in historic motorsport?
-I would definitely love to see more women participating in rallying. In Buenos Aires, I started an initiative to encourage more women to get involved in the sport, and I truly hope it continues to grow. I will keep doing everything I can to inspire and encourage more women to take part. There is definitely a place for them in this sport, and I hope to see many more on the starting line in the future.