Gianmario Fontanella and Giovanni Scarabelli claimed overall victory at the 5th Trofeo Classic Lago di Como, the second round of the Italian Historic Regularity Championship (CIREAS). Driving the 1930 Fiat 514 Sport in RC1 for MNT25, the duo emerged on top after a highly competitive event held along the scenic roads surrounding Lake Como.
A total of 67 crews took the start, representing teams from across Italy, in an event organized by the Automobile Club Como, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.
AC Como President Enrico Gelpi expressed satisfaction:
“Organizing the Trofeo Classic Lago di Como requires a major effort, but we are very pleased with both the quality of the entries and the strong public attendance at the Power Stage in Appiano Gentile.”
The rally was widely appreciated for its diverse route, combining lakeside scenery with more demanding sections such as the snowy Colma di Sormano climb.
The battle for victory remained open until the final stages. Sicilian drivers Francesco Nicolò Gulotta and Paolino Messina, competing in RC3 with a Fiat 600 for Franciacorta Motori, led the standings through the morning with an impressive average just above 1, appearing untouchable before the midday break.
In the afternoon, however, Fontanella increased the pace. The former 1000 Miglia winner gradually closed the gap and secured victory by just 19.90 penalty points. It marks his first overall win in Como after finishing second in the 2025 edition.
“We started very strong,” said Fontanella. “The route was well designed and technically demanding. After a slight dip in concentration, we managed to stay focused and push hard until the final test. It’s an exciting start to the season.”
Gulotta reacted sportingly:
“Finishing second is never easy, but our result keeps us at the top of the championship standings from a team perspective. Thanks to Franciacorta Motori and to my co-driver for the precision and reliability.”
Third overall were Roberto Paradisi and Marco Rossi in a Fiat 600 D for Classic Team.
Nicola Barcella and Simone Rossoni narrowly missed the podium by just 6 penalty points in their Autobianchi A112 (Franciacorta Motori), winning RC4 and the Under 30 classification.
Fifth place went to Mario Passanante and Elisa Buccioni (A112 Abarth), followed by Vincenzo Bertoli and Doriano Vavassori in a Fiat 508C.
The Top Ten was completed by Alberto Riboldi and Vito Cartafalsa (Fiat 508C), Antonio Margiotta and Corrado Corneliani (Fiat 1500 6C), Alberto Diana and Yulia Bondarenko (Fiat 508C MNT25), and Alberto Aliverti with Yuri Merlo (A112).
Among other highlights:
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RC3 podium for Andrea Bagatello and Jessica Tasinato (Fiat 1100 103E)
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Strong performance in the 5th Group by Claudio Lastri and Walter Pantani (Alfa Romeo Giulietta)
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RC6 win among youngtimers for Andrea Giacoppo and Lisa Oliviero (Fiat 500 Sporting)
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Ladies classification victory for “Nausicaa” and Silvana Ferri Nives (MG B Roadster)
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Best modern car crew: Andrea Cajani and Valentina Pitacco (Opel Corsa-E)
The Power Stage Classic in Appiano Gentile, broadcast by ACI Sport TV, once again saw Fontanella and Scarabelli take victory with only 3 penalty points. The next CIREAS round will take place in Trento on March 7–8 for the Coppa Città della Pace.
