As a partner and the official timekeeper of the vintage endurance race Mille Miglia since 1988, Chopard has created a collection of fine sports timepieces that has become the brand's flagship sport watch collection. Since the start of their partnership, a new timepiece has been produced for each edition of the Italian race.
Romain Dumas and Brendon Hartley, racing drivers and Chopard ambassadors, were present at the Geneva International Motor Show to present the new route of the Mille Miglia. After visiting the Chopard factory, the two drivers accompanied Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, CEO of the watch brand and a big car fan, to a private press conference. The Chopard boss was visibily excited to be presenting the new watch, the Chopard Mille Miglia 2016 XL Race Edition.
In 2016 the Mille Miglia will once again cross the beautiful landscapes of northern Italy, from Brescia to Rome via Rimini and back via Florence and Parma, on a 1000-mile long route. The race changes route every year, giving drivers and spectators the chance to (re)discover some of Italy's most historic towns. "On the journey from Brescia to Rome, via Rimini and back to Brescia via Parma, drivers will discover the art and history of these magnificent Italian cities," explained Giuseppe Cherubini, who is responsible for the Mille Miglia route.
This historic and cultural route attracts a number of enthusiasts each year. Some 663 applications have been received from 40 different countries. After a rigorous selectioin process by the organisers, only 440 cars from 36 countries have been allocated an entry for the race, which will take place from 19th to 22nd May 2016.
Aldo Bonomi, President of the Mille Miglia race, believes that the popularity of the race continues to grow, giving it even greater visibility and recognition at internatinoal level. "We want to show off the past and these vintage cars to the young people who are the future of our society so that this race and the love of cars, history and Italian culture can be perpetuated," he said, adding that he expected beautiful weather and numerous spectactors at this year's race.
