Andrea Vesco, 2024 Mille Miglia Winner, Speaks Out

A pure-bred Brescian, Andrea Vesco has won the Mille Miglia seven times, starting as a navigator alongside his father Roberto and then, as a driver, paired with Fabio Salvinelli. Growing up surrounded by cars and sharing his father's passion for legendary automobiles, Andrea now organizes the Winter Marathon and the Franciacorta Historic, events sponsored by BSA Suspensioni. We interviewed him to hear firsthand about the experience of a driver engaged in the most fascinating expression of historic car racing: regularity rallies.

Andrea and Roberto Vesco, winners of the 2020 Mille Miglia in their Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 SS Spider Z.

The Allure of the Mille Miglia

Andrea, you won the Mille Miglia for the fourth consecutive time in 2024, and the seventh time overall. What makes this race so special for you, and what motivates you to participate every year?

I was born into a world where historic cars were a way of life. It was the same for my father even before I was born. For us Brescians, who have a deep passion for cars and collecting, the Mille Miglia is the ultimate goal: it's the most important and well-known competition.

The Importance of History for a Classic Car Driver

Your 1929 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 SS Spider Z is an iconic historic car. Can you tell us more about this car and what it means to you to race with a piece of automotive history?

Yes, it's an extraordinary car. The owner, the Hulsbergen family, has a strong connection to the Mille Miglia and has been a partner since 2017. They produce a classic Chianti at the magnificent Villa Trasqua estate. They contacted me after my 2017 victory with Andrea Guerini, racing a 1931 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750. They asked if I was interested in racing their 1929 Alfa Romeo. The goal was to go even further. Not just to sponsor, but to win. I accepted. Classic cars like this are unique and delicate, and you need to know not only how to drive them but also how to preserve and maintain them. We take care of it for 5-6 months a year. With that car, we got third place in 2018 and second in 2019. From 2020 (when I raced with my father) to 2024, we won. Since 2021, I've shared this satisfaction with Fabio Salvinelli, a fellow Brescian and enthusiast. I drive in practice, and Fabio takes over for the race. Training together is essential for a good race. And then there are other fascinating races, like the Gran Premio Nuvolari. I've participated in the last few editions with my father.
 

What kind of cars participate in regularity rallies?

Cars up to the early 1990s can participate. Even young enthusiasts can start competing, beginning with simpler competitions. There's a wide range of options.

The Factors Behind Vesco's Success in the Mille Miglia

What do you think are the key factors that have led to your success in this and other editions of the Mille Miglia?

Success cannot be attributed to a single factor, but rather to a mix of different elements. First and foremost, passion. Then the car: to compete, you need a racing car that can handle long distances. It's also essential to have a well-prepared and cohesive team. And of course, talent, focus, and experience play a role.

Have you faced any particularly difficult moments that you had to overcome?

It can happen. With this spider, we had a problem in 2021 when a component broke, which we had to repair on the fly with some assistance. And then there was an accident in 2023, right after leaving Brescia, due to an unauthorized car that had entered the track without realizing it. Fortunately, last year everything went smoothly.

A Family Passion for Historic Racing

Your passion for racing runs in the family. Your father was also successful in the Mille Miglia. How has he influenced your career and what valuable advice has he given you?

I actually started when I was not even 12 years old, standing next to my father, Roberto, absorbing the basics. I got my license in 2001 and immediately started racing with good results, alternating between being a navigator alongside my father and a driver, which officially became my role in 2008.

Andrea Vesco, the Driver: Future Prospects

After this latest victory, what are your plans for the future? Do you have any new goals or projects in mind, both in the world of historic racing and beyond?

The Mille Miglia and the Gran Premio Nuvolari are always at the center of my racing life. Even if you've won in the past, the commitment is always high, and no result can be taken for granted. One challenge could be to race with a different car, one that I've recently acquired. A Fiat 514 MM. We are restoring it to test it and be ready for the Nuvolari.

Not just Drivers, But Organizers Too

In addition to being a formidable driver, together with your father you organize prestigious sporting events. When and how did you start this activity, and what are the key aspects to maintaining a high number of participants and media attention?

Yes, our work is 360 degrees in the world of historic motorsport. With our company Vecars, we offer services for historic cars and organize two major annual events. The first is the Winter Marathon, the longest winter regularity rally, which in the 2025 edition will be the longest ever. It will start from Madonna di Campiglio and wind its way along a scenic route through the Dolomites, from January 23rd to 26th. Then there's the Franciacorta Historic, a spring event. Both events require a lot of time and work. In these cases, as organizers, we don't compete. I use "we" because I do this with my father: I take care of the documentary, logistical and sporting aspects. My father handles the relationship with crews and sponsors, often companies owned by collectors, PR activities, restoration services, and sourcing spare parts for Italian and foreign teams. We always have at least.

Capturing the magic of the 2024 Winter Marathon, a mesmerizing regularity rally organized by Roberto and Andrea Vesco's Vecars.

The Role of Suspensions

Speaking of spare parts, the Alfa Romeo you drove this year had custom-made suspensions provided by BSA Sospensioni. How important were they for the car's performance, and how would you describe your relationship with BSA?

I met BSA Sospensioni in 2023 at the Franciacorta Historic. It was a great personal encounter, and a great professional relationship was born. Beyond the sponsorship, which we always see as a mutual commitment, BSA Sospensioni is a partner for the supply of custom-made springs and suspensions, in compliance with the original parts. There is collaboration and, knowing the quality of their work, we also recommend them to other drivers and mechanics. I believe that in a balanced relationship, the return must always be bilateral. Making our competitors aware of a company like BSA is important because they know how to solve problems. Suspensions were fundamental back then, on difficult roads, and they still are today for the car's performance and driving comfort, especially on rough surfaces like cobblestones in city centers.

Advice for Aspiring Drivers

Roberto and Andrea Vesco are a flag of the Mille Miglia and a passion for historic motorsport. What advice would you give to those who dream of entering the world of collecting and regularity racing?

My advice is to start slowly. There are many opportunities to start. Like in many other sports, I believe the best approach is gradual: start with simpler competitions and gradually approach more challenging ones, equipping yourself with the right tools and learning from experience. As for driving, I can say that for me it's very important, when facing long and difficult routes, to be able to count on a co-driver who can take over the wheel. I started doing this and many people followed my example. So, for a young person, but not only, my advice is to really play as a team, always, just like with sponsors.