With the Selection Committee having concluded its work, the list of accepted cars for the 1000 Miglia 2026 has taken shape. This is an event that, year after year, renews the composition of that “unique travelling museum”, which, according to Enzo Ferrari’s famous description, represents the very essence of the Red Arrow.
29 nations will be represented by the more than 400 crews who have passed the rigorous selection process: Italy remains the centre of gravity of the race with 225 drivers and co-drivers entered, followed by the Netherlands, the United States and Great Britain. However, there is no shortage of participants from more distant countries such as Canada, Mexico, Japan, Australia and beyond.
From a technical perspective, the event’s historical significance is underscored by the presence of 77 “Participant” cars, vehicles whose pedigree includes participation in the speed race held between 1927 and 1957. In this year’s exclusive line-up, the Alfa Romeo brand leads the accepted fleet with 49 cars, followed by a strong contingent of Fiats. There are also strong contingents from Ferrari, Lancia, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche.
From a competitive standpoint, the spotlight is on Andrea Vesco and Fabio Salvinelli. The driver from Brescia, in a 1929 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 SS, will be chasing his seventh consecutive victory. However, he will have to watch out for experienced crews such as Fontanella-Covelli, Erejomovich-Llanos, the Tonconogys and Alberto Aliverti, fresh from his victory in the Coppa delle Alpi St. Moritz Edition. Silvia Marini, multiple winner of the Coppa delle Dame, is also back.
Alongside the top drivers, there will be no shortage of familiar faces, such as former Formula 1 driver Giancarlo Fisichella in a 1954 S.I.A.T.A 30 BC, motorcycle racing champion Loris Capirossi in a 1949 Lancia Aprilia 1500 saloon, and the renowned chef Carlo Cracco, who has now become a regular fixture and will this year take on the clock at the wheel of a 1951 Lancia Aurelia B20 GT 2000 Pinin Farina saloon.
Awaiting the drivers of the next edition of the most beautiful race in the world, scheduled from Tuesday 9 to Saturday 13 June, is a figure-of-eight route that will traverse Italy via the legs of Padua, Montecatini Terme, Rome and Rimini. Five days of racing that promise to be demanding, yet also rich in beauty, history and culture.
As per the regulations, every car accepted for the start must be certified in advance by the Registro 1000 Miglia, a fundamental requirement to attest to the authenticity and excellence of the models that bring the World’s Most Beautiful Race to life.