For the first time in history, the world-renowned Targa Florio vintage car rally will race outside of Italy, calling Victoria home for an incredible four-day event that takes in some of Victoria’s most breathtaking scenery.
Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren joined General Manager of Confederation of Australian Motor Sport Mike Smith in Torquay today where the ‘Targa Florio – Australian Tribute’ will pass through later this year.
The famous rally will showcase the best of regional Victoria, as more than 200 classic cars travel across 1,200 kilometres of our state. It’s expected to attract thousands of car lovers, celebrities and international media.
The route has been designed to promote some of Victoria’s top regional destinations including Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula, the Great Ocean Road, Queenscliff to Sorrento, Gippsland, the Mornington Peninsula and the Yarra Valley.
Before Formula 1 racing, the Targa Florio was the most difficult and challenging race for cars on earth. First run in 1906, the race has always started and finished in Palermo, Italy.
It attracted the best drivers and the most important international car makers, such as Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Bugatti, Lancia, Maserati, BMW, Mercedes and Porsche.
The prestigious road race will now celebrate its 101st anniversary in the sporting and major events capital of Australia in November.
Victoria will be the only place in the world to host the F1 Grand Prix, the Moto GP and the Targa Florio, all of which are sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de (FIA). The event will also feature 101 Ferraris competing in the ever popular Ferrari Tribute.
Powerhouse trio ‘Il Volo’ – who have performed alongside Barbara Streisand, Placido Domingo and at the Eurovision Song Contest – will perform at the race’s closing ceremony.
The Andrews Labor Government’s Regional Event Fund has supported more than 40 events across regional Victoria in the past 12 months, including the Targa Florio.
The Targa Florio will take place from 30 November to 3 December.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren
“The Targa Florio is a symbol for the passion of cars, luxury and adventure – and we’re delighted that the organisers have chosen Victoria to stage the first ever race outside of Italy.”
“These classic cars will travel to some of our most breathtaking destinations, breathing more life into regional communities across Victoria.”
“Our love of sport and fast cars, coupled with our beautiful scenery and large Italian community, makes us the perfect host for such an occasion.”
Race schedule:
- Thursday 30 November – registered vehicles will make their way from Melbourne CBD to the City of Greater Geelong via Torquay and back to Geelong for the official opening ceremony
- Friday 1 December – vehicles will drive from Geelong to Apollo Bay via Lorne and then onto Queenscliff. Vehicles will be transported by ferry from the Bellarine Peninsula to the Mornington Peninsula
- Saturday 2 December – registrants will drive from the heart of Mornington’s wine region through Red Hill to San Remo and onto Healesville
- Sunday 3 December – departing from Healesville back towards Melbourne CBD and via Albert Park, finishing at the Sponsors’ village at Docklands.
Reviewed 19 August 2020