Look a little deeper and, almost incredibly, the record books reveal the land of great automotive brands such as Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati has only produced one top-class F1 or WRC title-winner since the early fifties.
His name, of course, is Massimo ‘Miki’ Biasion – a double WRC champion and one of the five chosen ‘Rally Gods’ starring at IGNITION, Festival of Motoring, the high-octane celebration of all things car and bike-themed staged on the streets of Glasgow in and around the SEC from 4-6 August.
Biasion first came to prominence in the legendary Group B era when winning both the 1983 Italian and European Rally Championships. Back then, he was driving one of Lancia’s stunning 037s (photo below top left). Globally, however, his successes came later in the same decade when competing in Lancia’s all-conquering Delta HF Integrale (photo above and below top right), designed to meet the subsequent Group A regulations.
At his peak with Lancia, the Venetian was winning almost three-quarters of all events entered and, underlining his dominance, was only the second man in history to clinch back-to-back WRC crowns when taking consecutive World Championships in 1988 and 1989. In total, Biasion won an impressive 17 rounds from 73 starts, notched up 40 podiums and took no fewer than 373 stage wins – a remarkable record that speaks for itself and emphasises his true ‘Rally God’ credentials.
Appropriately, come IGNITION, the Italian will be back behind the wheel of a Lancia Delta HF Integrale, resplendent in its iconic period Martini livery (photos below middle right and bottom).
“It’s always very special to be reunited with an Integrale as it is like a baby for me,” enthused the approachable 59-year-old. “As a driver for the factory team, I was in charge of developing the car, so I was testing it right from the moment it was born. For almost six years, I spent 18 hours a day, 300 days a year in the car. Now, every time I have the opportunity to drive one, it makes me feel young again!”
Understandably, it brings back many wonderful memories, too. “It was great for me as an Italian, in an Italian car with an Italian sponsor to win two titles. It was, after all, the first time an Italian rally driver had been on top of the world. Even so, looking back, perhaps being a key member of the victorious Lancia team that won six consecutive Manufacturers’ titles with the Delta HF – a car that I had helped to develop – was an even better experience.”
As to why his nation of petrol-heads has failed to produce a single top flight World Champion on four wheels since his heyday, Biasion is almost as baffled as the rest of us. “It really is something of a mystery,” he agreed. “We Italians have such a strong passion for cars and for motor sport. Maybe it is because Italian motor manufacturers believe it’s better to employ foreign drivers for marketing reasons. I can’t find any other obvious answers.”
Whatever the reasons, Italy’s most decorated driver for more than half a century is now looking forward to joining his fellow Rally Gods and renewing old rivalries on the streets of Glasgow.
“I always love the opportunity to drive these wonderful old cars,” he smiled. “It will also be very special to be back in Scotland – a country which, like Italy, has such a strong motorsport heritage. There’ll be lots of old friends and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Rally Gods at IGNITION – Festival of Motoring
All five Rally Gods – Biasion plus Markku Alén, Stig Blomqvist, Timo Salonen and Ari Vatanen – will be back behind the wheels of the legendary cars that they campaigned in their heydeys. Twice a day – as the climax to each exhilarating Track Show – the Rally Gods will also be competing against-the-clock in a dramatic not-to-be-missed Street Stage Shoot-Outs – this time racing cutting-edge sports cars on a special gymkhana circuit.
Visitors will also be given the chance to see their Rally God heroes up close with regular autograph and selfie sessions on all three days of the spectacular event.
Building on the huge success of last year’s inaugural IGNITION which attracted more than 26,000 visitors, other notable features for 2017 include: 70 years of Ferrari – a tribute to the history and legacy of the famous Prancing Horse; the 60th anniversary of Ecurie Ecosse’s famous 24 Hours of Le Mans victory with an exclusive line-up of the team’s finest machinery; a bike stunt zone; a supercar grid to rival any featuring Lamborghinis, Porsches, McLarens, Mustangs, Mercedes’ and more; plus, hundreds of exhibitors showcasing the latest releases with the opportunity for visitors to buy their next car or bike at the event.
There will also be a return by popular demand of the rubber-burning Japspeed Drifters plus eye-catching displays by renowned Scottish bike stunt rider Kevin Carmichael.
A new addition for 2017, the outdoor Ride and Drive Zone will give motor enthusiasts the chance to test their skills offering a mix of off-road driving experiences, test drives, a young driver experience and the chance to ride a trials bikes.
The indoor IGNITION arcade, another new attraction, will host a range of games and experiences to cater for the whole family, including remote control drifting, simulators, gaming areas, remote control truck racing and more.
IGNITION Tickets
Tickets for IGNITION 2017 are available now from the festival website with prices to suit every pocket. Single tickets start at just £27.50 (pre-booked) for full day entry to the show and only £15 for a late entry single ticket from 2pm. A single ticket plus morning or afternoon grandstand seat costs £40, while a family day ticket for two adults and up to three children costs just £70.
THE IGNITE Club ticket at £129 is the ultimate VIP experience offering exclusive access to the IGNITE Club Paddock and grandstand, both conveniently located trackside and close to the private IGNITE club bar where lunch and driver Q&A’s are included.
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