Targa Florio races through

THE first Targa Florio held outside Italy has been run and won, including along the Bellarine and the Surf Coast.

The 84 touring cars participating in the Targa Florio Australia Tribute (TFAT) arrived at Docklands on Sunday for the four-day event’s official closing ceremony.

In the same manner as the famous Sicilian tour, TFAT ran two regulatory automotive events consecutively with the same rules and trials.

From the TFAT classic car regularity event (cars from 1906-1976), Giordano Mozzi and co-driver Stefania Biacca took the prestigious gold award after managing to keep an impressive pace throughout the event in their Porsche 356 C 1964.The duo were presented with a bespoke engraved MOMO steering wheel – MOMO being the iconic symbol of Italian motorsport and innovation and an honour to 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 Porsche 356 -Pre A Coupé 1958.

In bronze place was Peter Williams and co-driver Anie William, in their Austin Healey Sebring 3000/mk1 1959.

From the Ferrari Trophy regularity event (cars from 1977 to present), Carlo Travaglini and codriver Alfredo Costanzo took the gold award for their impressive control in their Ferrari California 2017, Michael Piccolo and co-driver Gabrielle Cilia were awarded with a silver MOMO steering wheel in their Ferrari 458 2011, and Brad Paton and codriver Nick Paton in their Ferrari F 355 1996 were awarded bronze.

Visit Victoria’s head of event acquisitions, regional and government relations Michelle Morris said the Targa Florio was a world-renowned event, known for showcasing a deep passion for cars and adventure.

“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 has been granted the rights to host the TFAT for the next five years.