Gubbio Hillclimb: the italian series is on!

An iconic weekend for hillclimb racing has arrived — the one that every year transforms the Bottaccione Gorge into a sea of colors and flags, drawing thousands of fans and spectators. People from all over Italy will gather to witness the Gubbio Hillclimb Trofeo Ceca Luigi Fagioli, and surely enthusiasts from across Europe too, as this event fascinates hillclimb fans like few others.

Many still remember the unforgettable FIA Hillclimb Masters held here in 2018. The numbers speak for themselves: just days before the race, the official entry list reached 300 drivers — an extraordinary figure that requires special approval from the organizers and is rarely seen elsewhere. This is undoubtedly a must-attend event.

Track analysis of Gubbio Hillclimb

The Gubbio hillclimb course is one of the most iconic in the Italian Supersalita Championship. Although very short, it’s extremely technical and pushes drivers to their limits, offering no margin for error. A single mistake could mean losing precious time with no chance to recover. The tarmac, always carefully maintained by the organizers, is especially appreciated by the drivers. It’s no surprise this event is often referred to as the “Monte Carlo of hillclimbs.” The historic city of Gubbio, the short yet brilliant track, and the passionate fans who flock to the event make it one of the most popular rounds of the year.

📏 Track Layout

• Lenght: 4.150 meters
• Altimetry: 270 meters
• Average gradient: 6,5%
• Altitude at the finish: 770 meters

The course starts from the historic center of Gubbio and winds its way up to the Madonna della Cima pass, crossing the striking Bottaccione Gorge—an area of great geological and natural interest. The final section is especially engaging, with a series of hairpin turns where spectators can enjoy a stunning view of the last kilometer of the climb. If you’re planning to attend the event in Gubbio, we recommend heading to that point—but be sure to arrive early, as it’s one of the most popular spots.

History and Records

The race was first held in 1966 and originally ran on the Gubbio–Mengara route. In 1968, the layout was moved to the current Gubbio–Madonna della Cima course, which is significantly shorter than the original.

The all-time record on this track belongs to Simone Faggioli, who in 2015 completed the climb in 3:07.28 behind the wheel of a Norma.

Gubbio Hillclimb Timetable

The sporting program will officially begin on Friday, August 22nd, with preliminary checks taking place throughout the day, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Technical checks will be held at the ISS Cassata – Gattapone, while administrative checks will take place at the Service Center in the Convento di S. Secondo. At 6:00 PM, ACI Sport will hold a meeting with teams and drivers, followed by the official briefing with Race Director Fabrizio Fondacci at 6:46 PM.

On Saturday, August 23rd, the two official practice runs of Gubbio Hillclimb Trofeo Luigi Fagioli will take place along the 4.15 km course between Gubbio and the locality of Madonna della Cima, 270 meters higher in elevation, with an average gradient of 6.5%. The route follows Regional Road 298 through the “Gola del Bottaccione,” a site of global geological significance. The track offers intense emotions and contains all the elements beloved by hill climb drivers.

At 9:00 AM on Sunday, August 24th, Race Director Fabrizio Fondacci, along with Deputy Director Roberto Bufalino, will start Race 1 of the 60th Trofeo Luigi Fagioli, followed by Race 2 and the awards ceremony in the hospitality area at the finish line, prepared by the C.E.C.A. organizers.

Trofeo Luigi Fagioli website: https://www.trofeofagioli.it/

Heading for great battle in classes

The sporting situation is varied and unpredictable, although Gubbio could prove decisive for several Italian championship titles. Simone Faggioli boasts 14 victories at Gubbio and is ready to secure the overall title behind the wheel of his Nova Proto NP 01, equipped with Pirelli tires. The Best Lap driver also holds the outright course record with a time of 3’07.28, set in 2015 driving a Norma.

The track record is held by Christian Merli, who set a time of 1:32.31 in 2019 driving the Osella FA 30. In the Italian championship standings, reigning champion and leader of the Sportscar Moto category, Andrea Di Caro from Caltanissetta, currently holds second place.

At the wheel of his Nova Proto NP 03 Aprilia, Di Caro has won his class in every Italian round he’s entered and has reached the overall podium at Luzzi and Rieti. However, fellow Team Faggioli driver Mirko Torsellini from Siena remains a constant threat with a similar car, as does Luca Caruso from Catania, who drives a Nova Proto NP 03 prepared by Team Dalmazia. Also becoming increasingly competitive is Lombardy’s Giancarlo Maroni Jr., who has finally found the right balance with his Nova Proto NP 01 powered by a 2000cc turbo engine.

GT class Masterpiece

A must-watch battle is expected in the GT class between top contenders like Roman driver Marco Iacoangeli on a Bmw Z4 GT3 and Foggia’s Lucio Peruggini of RO Racing, racing Ferrari 488 Evo Challenge. They lead the GT3 and GT Super Cup Div. II, but the full-time entry of the Ferrari 296 driven by Giovanni Del Prete from Salerno is raising eyebrows. After his impressive performances in Rieti and his first win in Popoli in the CIVM, he’s now a serious contender.

The other driver from Campania, Giuseppe D’Angelo, is also proving to be a strong contender, consistently delivering solid and competitive performances behind the wheel of his Ferrari 488 EVO Challenge from Maranello.

In Division III, Rosario Parrino — a Sicilian based in Bergamo — has developed an excellent connection with his Porsche 992, while veteran driver Piero Nappi from Naples continues to make his experience count at the wheel of another 992 from Stuttgart.

A special mention to Marco Gramenzi and Manuel Dondi that will race in the Silhouette Class with two of the most interesting cars of the whole field

Entry List Gubbio Hillclimb

.