Targa Florio Australian Tribute a wrap

Despite Victoria’s gloomy weekend weather, the first Targa Florio rally to be held outside Sicily in its 101-year history was such a success that Australia has been granted the official event rights for the next five years.

The announcement was made by the president of the Targa Florio Australian Tribute (TFAT) at its official closing ceremony at Melbourne’s Docklands yesterday.

Like the famous Sicilian tour, the inaugural TFAT included two regulatory automotive events held consecutively with the same rules and trials.

Gold, silver and bronze winners were awarded to the most impressive pace controllers over four days of touring Victoria’s coast and countryside.

Of the 84 touring cars that participated, the classic car regularity event (1906-1976 cars) was won by Giordano Mozzi and co-driver Stefania Biacca after managing to keep an impressive pace throughout the event in their 1964 Porsche 356 C 1964.

The duo was presented by Danielle Green MP with a bespoke engraved MOMO steering wheel – MOMO being an iconic symbol of Italian motorsport and innovation and a symbol of the event’s Italian heritage.

Brent Morrison and co-driver Kris Kerr were awarded with the Silver MOMO steering wheel after finishing the time trials in second place in their 1958 Porsche 356 Pre A Coupe.

Finally, in bronze place was Peter Williams and co-driver Anie William in their 1959 Austin Healey Sebring 3000 MkI.

From the Ferrari Trophy regularity event (cars built from 1977), Carlo Travaglini and co-driver Alfredo Costanzo took the gold award in their 2017 Ferrari California.

Michael Piccolo and co-driver Gabrielle Cilia (20111 Ferrari 458) were awarded with a silver MOMO steering wheel, while Brad Paton and co-driver Nick Paton (1996 Ferrari F355) were awarded bronze.

“The Targa Florio is a world renowned event known for showcasing a deep passion for cars and adventure,” said Visit Victoria’s Head of Event Acquisitions, Regional and Government Relations, Michelle Morris.

“We’re delighted that for the first time in its history, the event has been staged outside of Italy and on our Victorian stage.

“The event has not only showcased some of Victoria’s most breathtaking destinations, but has no doubt boosted our position on the European and classic car circuit.”

Australia was confirmed earlier this year as the official host of the first ever Targa Florio Tribute event after its organising committee, the iSTEEM Group, beat off a consortium from Florida.