THE XXXVII RALLYE ELBA STORICO – TROFEO LOCMAN ITALY GETS UNDERWAY WITH CULTURE: THIS MORNING’S CONFERENCE “PAST AND PRESENT IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF NAPOLEON”
24-09-2025 18:00 - Press Releases
PRESS INFORMATION
THE XXXVII RALLYE ELBA STORICO – TROFEO LOCMAN ITALY GETS UNDERWAY WITH CULTURE: THIS MORNING’S CONFERENCE “PAST AND PRESENT IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF NAPOLEON”
A morning rich in historical insight and sporting memories, with students from two local schools in attendance.
From tomorrow the engines fire up: great anticipation for the competition that opens the final sprint of both the European and Italian championships.
Livorno, 24 September 2025 – The countdown is now down to hours before engines roar at the XXXVII Rallye Elba Storico – Trofeo Locman Italy.
Round eight of the ten-event FIA European Historic Rally Championship and round seven (the penultimate) of the Italian Historic Rally Championship—plus the national “average speed regularity” event, the “Graffiti,” also at its eighth round—the rally officially began this morning with engines off but with high cultural value at the conference “Past and Present in the Footsteps of Napoleon”. Organised in collaboration with daily newspaper Il Tirreno, the event explored the deep bond between the Island of Elba, Napoleon Bonaparte and the rally’s sporting tradition. This was the third initiative of its kind, launched at last year’s “Storico” and, this time, offering meaningful reflection between past and present—an event where memory fuels collective identity and social cohesion.
Below are highlights from the speakers’ contributions. The meeting was moderated by Cristiano Marcacci, Editor-in-Chief of Il Tirreno.
WALTER MONTAGNA, MAYOR OF CAPOLIVERI:
“What is the link between Napoleon and the Rallye Elba? There’s one common thread: in both cases, the island was—and is—united. It was true in Napoleon’s time, and it happens every time a competition runs on the island. Once upon a time—perhaps you young people don’t know this—our parents let us stay home from school only when the Rallye Elba was on. I understand the world is different now, but this is a historic tradition worth valuing. If you grasp the essence of this sport, you understand many things. The rally has a powerful media engine: last year the historic rally was watched around the world, with views from New Zealand, South America and Canada. It draws 1,800,000 online visitors, which is a great showcase for us—and my compliments go to the organisers. It’s a showcase we can connect to the other beauties and stories of Elba, including that of Napoleon, which we’ll tell you about today.”
MARCO FIORILLO, PRESIDENT, AUTOMOBILE CLUB LIVORNO:
“As the ‘technical’ organiser of this event, I first want to thank all the students and teachers who are here today. I hope this day gives you new insight into our world, the Rallye Elba Storico.
When I first came to Elba in the 1960s and ’70s as a race official, I remember rallies being so important that schools would close and students, together with their teachers, would watch the special stages. Those were wonderful moments that I admit I miss. The island has since grown into one of Italy’s premier tourist destinations, but it’s right to remember that the Elba Rally played a decisive role in that growth, bringing the island’s name to the world and introducing these roads and landscapes to fans and tourists alike.
I hope you young people can experience this passion—today or in the future—perhaps with your parents, and enjoy the magic of a night at the rally: a unique experience you won’t forget.
I also want to thank the authorities who believed in this project and supported us, along with all the municipalities. Thanks to them we can offer this show, which is not only sport but also history and culture.
This is a historic rally, and you’ll see cars that have thrilled generations of fans. From the youngest spectator to the oldest, everyone can rediscover a special memory or feeling. That’s what makes us happy: seeing your enthusiasm year after year.
Lastly, I’d like to recall that ACI Livorno also has a mission in road safety education through our Portoferraio delegation. Next year, we’d like to invite your classes to take part in our activities—combining road safety, which is vital when you begin using transport, with a bit of knowledge about the rally world. For 2026 we’ll try to build a path that’s useful and, we hope, fun.”
LUCIANO FIORI, PRESIDENT, ACI LIVORNO SPORT:
“A warm greeting to all the authorities present—your participation is an important sign for us. A special greeting to the students here today. You are the future; one day you’ll take the reins of society and, who knows, maybe some of you will take our place in rallying. We truly hope so, because this event must not stop here.
To you students I want to say something simple but important: be ambitious, never lose your enthusiasm, and keep dreaming—because with commitment and passion, dreams can come true.
This message also ties into the island’s history and the Napoleonic period: in the ten months Napoleon spent on Elba, he gave a strong impulse to social life—creating culture, ambition and new interests. Today, thanks to those traces, Elba is richer in history and attracts visitors from around the world.
This island, shaped by its unique features, we must protect and enhance—even through events like the Rally. My message to institutions is this: don’t let something that makes Tuscany known worldwide slip away. That would be a loss—for the economy, for sport, for the Elban community itself and for the children here today who represent our future.”
PROF. GIANFRANCO VANAGOLLI – HONORARY PRESIDENT, ITALIA NOSTRA ARCIPELAGO TOSCANO, AUTHOR AND ESSAYIST:
“Capoliveri stood out as one of the towns least favourable to Napoleon. Tradition says that the people rebelled against the new taxes introduced or maintained by the Napoleonic regime: they refused to pay and openly opposed French authority. Napoleon—who usually dealt diplomatically with Elban communities—reacted harshly: he first sent a gendarme patrol, which was firmly repelled; then he threatened the town with troops and artillery, deploying grenadiers and cannons; arrests followed (some priests and citizens considered leaders of the revolt were chained and taken to Portoferraio).
In the end, tensions faded, but the episode remained in collective memory. From then on, the people of Capoliveri considered themselves proud opponents of Napoleon—almost unique on the island for not bowing to his authority. That is why, two centuries later, Napoleon’s memory is far more controversial here than elsewhere on Elba. In 2021, on the bicentenary of his death, the municipality of Capoliveri chose not to officially take part in the commemorations, precisely due to this tradition of popular resistance and to distinguish itself from other Elban municipalities that did celebrate Napoleonic memory. But today we are here because this story, which is part of our culture, belongs to us and we must know it.”
ARCHITECT MARIO FERRARI, FORMER MAYOR OF PORTOFERRAIO:
“Despite conflicts with Capoliveri, Napoleon is what makes Elba immediately recognisable worldwide—even in Australia. In this sense, Napoleon represented a moment of ‘unity’ for Elba, albeit temporary and conflictual. Speaking of the Rallye Elba, I remember the 1968 edition as a rare moment of collective unity. I remember with emotion the start near my home, the crowds and the sense of community—an incisive, emotional event that, in my years as mayor, I always sought to support and promote.
I’d like these students to understand what they are witnessing by inviting them to watch a historical documentary that also allows me to remember Elio Niccolai. It tells the story of how the rally was born and grew, and it highlights Elio’s fundamental contribution—it conveys the very spirit of the event. It strikes a deep chord… it recalls—just as you did today—how absence from school was tolerated, almost ‘mandatory’, and it does so through voice, words and expressions. This is an important document that helps us not to forget—because those who forget have no future.”
ALESSIO SPINELLI, MEMBER OF THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE TUSCANY REGION:
“Dear students, I’m honoured to be here and I bring you greetings from President Eugenio Giani. I’m sorry I can’t stay for all three rally days—I would have gladly listened to the roar of carburetted engines rather than today’s electric ones. Engine sounds are a show—an orchestra playing at every bend. Which do you prefer? The roar of a period Ferrari, or an electrical whistle you can barely hear? My hope is to further enhance Elba with important events like the Rallye—to attract wealth, investors, tourists who bring money to the island, create jobs for our fellow citizens and allow us to showcase what Italy has been in history—and what we want it to be in the future. Thank you all!”
________________________________________
A RALLY WITH BIG NUMBERS
The event takes to the Italian and international stage with an impressive calling card: 153 entries, a testament to a sporting tradition that keeps attracting drivers from all over Europe, ready to star in a one-of-a-kind competition.
Elba is ready to host another great edition of Europe’s most coveted historic rally, with 26 entries in the continental series, 74 in the Italian Championship, 23 in the A112 Abarth Trophy and one “classic” car—plus 20 crews entered in the “Graffiti”.
A strong signal also comes from the 10 foreign nations represented: Austria, Belgium, France, Great Britain, Ireland, Poland, Monaco, Czech Republic, Switzerland and Hungary. Once again, this demonstrates how the rally promotes the territory and extends the tourist season—offering teams, drivers and fans the chance to enjoy Elba’s beauty in the mild days of early autumn.
________________________________________
LIVE STREAMING
As usual, this year the rally will feature extensive live coverage. Produced by partner SportCultura.tv with the support of ACI Sport, live broadcasts are planned on each of the three legs:
•Thursday 25 September – SS1 start 21:00 (live from 20:30)
•Friday 26 September – SS5 start 15:25 (live from 15:20)
•Saturday 27 September – SS8 start 13:20 (live from 13:15)
________________________________________
EVENT PROGRAMME
Thursday 25 September 2025
09:00–11:30: Porto Azzurro, Town Hall – Banchina IV Novembre
Road Book distribution & Administrative Checks
09:00–16:00: Porto Azzurro, Banchina IV Novembre – Scrutineering
08:00–18:00: Reconnaissance
20:40: Start – Porto Azzurro, Banchina IV Novembre
21:00: SS1 “Capoliveri” – 10.48 km
22:10: Finish Leg 1 – Capoliveri, “Il Pino” Car Park
Friday 26 September 2025
08:40: Start Leg 2 – Capoliveri, “Il Pino” Car Park
09:45: SS2 “Monumento” – 7.48 km
10:35: SS3 “Due Mari” – 19.03 km
13:18: Regroup IN – Portoferraio, Viale Elba Car Park
13:43: Regroup OUT – Portoferraio, Viale Elba Car Park
14:05: SS4 “Monumento” – 7.48 km
14:49: Regroup IN – Marciana Marina, Via Loyd Car Park
15:14: Regroup OUT – Marciana Marina, Via Loyd Car Park
15:25: SS5 “Marciana Marina – Marciana – Campo” – 18.34 km
17:40: Finish Leg 2 – entry to Parc Fermé – Capoliveri, “Il Pino” Car Park
Saturday 27 September 2025
08:40: Start Leg 3 – Lacona / Capoliveri, “Il Pino” Car Park
09:10: SS6 “Innamorata – Anna Puccini” – 9.85 km
10:10: SS7 “Volterraio – Cavo” – 26.94 km
11:40: Regroup IN – Porto Azzurro, Banchina IV Novembre
12:25: Regroup OUT – Porto Azzurro, Banchina IV Novembre
13:20: SS8 “Innamorata – Anna Puccini” – 9.85 km
14:20: SS9 “Volterraio – Cavo” – 5.68 km
14:40: SS10 “Bagnaia – Cavo” – 18.45 km
16:00: Final Arrival & Prize-giving – Capoliveri, Piazza Garibaldi
Photo: speakers at the conference (ph. Lorenzo Manzini)
SPORTITY
RALLY FIA EHRC: “RES25”
RALLY CIRAS: “ELBACIRAS25”
www.rallyelbastorico.net
PRESS OFFICE
c/o Alessandro Bugelli – Journalist (ODG 110772 – USSI 3886 – AIPS 9541)
a.bugelli@gmail.com
Source: Press Office
THE XXXVII RALLYE ELBA STORICO – TROFEO LOCMAN ITALY GETS UNDERWAY WITH CULTURE: THIS MORNING’S CONFERENCE “PAST AND PRESENT IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF NAPOLEON”
A morning rich in historical insight and sporting memories, with students from two local schools in attendance.
From tomorrow the engines fire up: great anticipation for the competition that opens the final sprint of both the European and Italian championships.
Livorno, 24 September 2025 – The countdown is now down to hours before engines roar at the XXXVII Rallye Elba Storico – Trofeo Locman Italy.
Round eight of the ten-event FIA European Historic Rally Championship and round seven (the penultimate) of the Italian Historic Rally Championship—plus the national “average speed regularity” event, the “Graffiti,” also at its eighth round—the rally officially began this morning with engines off but with high cultural value at the conference “Past and Present in the Footsteps of Napoleon”. Organised in collaboration with daily newspaper Il Tirreno, the event explored the deep bond between the Island of Elba, Napoleon Bonaparte and the rally’s sporting tradition. This was the third initiative of its kind, launched at last year’s “Storico” and, this time, offering meaningful reflection between past and present—an event where memory fuels collective identity and social cohesion.
Below are highlights from the speakers’ contributions. The meeting was moderated by Cristiano Marcacci, Editor-in-Chief of Il Tirreno.
WALTER MONTAGNA, MAYOR OF CAPOLIVERI:
“What is the link between Napoleon and the Rallye Elba? There’s one common thread: in both cases, the island was—and is—united. It was true in Napoleon’s time, and it happens every time a competition runs on the island. Once upon a time—perhaps you young people don’t know this—our parents let us stay home from school only when the Rallye Elba was on. I understand the world is different now, but this is a historic tradition worth valuing. If you grasp the essence of this sport, you understand many things. The rally has a powerful media engine: last year the historic rally was watched around the world, with views from New Zealand, South America and Canada. It draws 1,800,000 online visitors, which is a great showcase for us—and my compliments go to the organisers. It’s a showcase we can connect to the other beauties and stories of Elba, including that of Napoleon, which we’ll tell you about today.”
MARCO FIORILLO, PRESIDENT, AUTOMOBILE CLUB LIVORNO:
“As the ‘technical’ organiser of this event, I first want to thank all the students and teachers who are here today. I hope this day gives you new insight into our world, the Rallye Elba Storico.
When I first came to Elba in the 1960s and ’70s as a race official, I remember rallies being so important that schools would close and students, together with their teachers, would watch the special stages. Those were wonderful moments that I admit I miss. The island has since grown into one of Italy’s premier tourist destinations, but it’s right to remember that the Elba Rally played a decisive role in that growth, bringing the island’s name to the world and introducing these roads and landscapes to fans and tourists alike.
I hope you young people can experience this passion—today or in the future—perhaps with your parents, and enjoy the magic of a night at the rally: a unique experience you won’t forget.
I also want to thank the authorities who believed in this project and supported us, along with all the municipalities. Thanks to them we can offer this show, which is not only sport but also history and culture.
This is a historic rally, and you’ll see cars that have thrilled generations of fans. From the youngest spectator to the oldest, everyone can rediscover a special memory or feeling. That’s what makes us happy: seeing your enthusiasm year after year.
Lastly, I’d like to recall that ACI Livorno also has a mission in road safety education through our Portoferraio delegation. Next year, we’d like to invite your classes to take part in our activities—combining road safety, which is vital when you begin using transport, with a bit of knowledge about the rally world. For 2026 we’ll try to build a path that’s useful and, we hope, fun.”
LUCIANO FIORI, PRESIDENT, ACI LIVORNO SPORT:
“A warm greeting to all the authorities present—your participation is an important sign for us. A special greeting to the students here today. You are the future; one day you’ll take the reins of society and, who knows, maybe some of you will take our place in rallying. We truly hope so, because this event must not stop here.
To you students I want to say something simple but important: be ambitious, never lose your enthusiasm, and keep dreaming—because with commitment and passion, dreams can come true.
This message also ties into the island’s history and the Napoleonic period: in the ten months Napoleon spent on Elba, he gave a strong impulse to social life—creating culture, ambition and new interests. Today, thanks to those traces, Elba is richer in history and attracts visitors from around the world.
This island, shaped by its unique features, we must protect and enhance—even through events like the Rally. My message to institutions is this: don’t let something that makes Tuscany known worldwide slip away. That would be a loss—for the economy, for sport, for the Elban community itself and for the children here today who represent our future.”
PROF. GIANFRANCO VANAGOLLI – HONORARY PRESIDENT, ITALIA NOSTRA ARCIPELAGO TOSCANO, AUTHOR AND ESSAYIST:
“Capoliveri stood out as one of the towns least favourable to Napoleon. Tradition says that the people rebelled against the new taxes introduced or maintained by the Napoleonic regime: they refused to pay and openly opposed French authority. Napoleon—who usually dealt diplomatically with Elban communities—reacted harshly: he first sent a gendarme patrol, which was firmly repelled; then he threatened the town with troops and artillery, deploying grenadiers and cannons; arrests followed (some priests and citizens considered leaders of the revolt were chained and taken to Portoferraio).
In the end, tensions faded, but the episode remained in collective memory. From then on, the people of Capoliveri considered themselves proud opponents of Napoleon—almost unique on the island for not bowing to his authority. That is why, two centuries later, Napoleon’s memory is far more controversial here than elsewhere on Elba. In 2021, on the bicentenary of his death, the municipality of Capoliveri chose not to officially take part in the commemorations, precisely due to this tradition of popular resistance and to distinguish itself from other Elban municipalities that did celebrate Napoleonic memory. But today we are here because this story, which is part of our culture, belongs to us and we must know it.”
ARCHITECT MARIO FERRARI, FORMER MAYOR OF PORTOFERRAIO:
“Despite conflicts with Capoliveri, Napoleon is what makes Elba immediately recognisable worldwide—even in Australia. In this sense, Napoleon represented a moment of ‘unity’ for Elba, albeit temporary and conflictual. Speaking of the Rallye Elba, I remember the 1968 edition as a rare moment of collective unity. I remember with emotion the start near my home, the crowds and the sense of community—an incisive, emotional event that, in my years as mayor, I always sought to support and promote.
I’d like these students to understand what they are witnessing by inviting them to watch a historical documentary that also allows me to remember Elio Niccolai. It tells the story of how the rally was born and grew, and it highlights Elio’s fundamental contribution—it conveys the very spirit of the event. It strikes a deep chord… it recalls—just as you did today—how absence from school was tolerated, almost ‘mandatory’, and it does so through voice, words and expressions. This is an important document that helps us not to forget—because those who forget have no future.”
ALESSIO SPINELLI, MEMBER OF THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE TUSCANY REGION:
“Dear students, I’m honoured to be here and I bring you greetings from President Eugenio Giani. I’m sorry I can’t stay for all three rally days—I would have gladly listened to the roar of carburetted engines rather than today’s electric ones. Engine sounds are a show—an orchestra playing at every bend. Which do you prefer? The roar of a period Ferrari, or an electrical whistle you can barely hear? My hope is to further enhance Elba with important events like the Rallye—to attract wealth, investors, tourists who bring money to the island, create jobs for our fellow citizens and allow us to showcase what Italy has been in history—and what we want it to be in the future. Thank you all!”
________________________________________
A RALLY WITH BIG NUMBERS
The event takes to the Italian and international stage with an impressive calling card: 153 entries, a testament to a sporting tradition that keeps attracting drivers from all over Europe, ready to star in a one-of-a-kind competition.
Elba is ready to host another great edition of Europe’s most coveted historic rally, with 26 entries in the continental series, 74 in the Italian Championship, 23 in the A112 Abarth Trophy and one “classic” car—plus 20 crews entered in the “Graffiti”.
A strong signal also comes from the 10 foreign nations represented: Austria, Belgium, France, Great Britain, Ireland, Poland, Monaco, Czech Republic, Switzerland and Hungary. Once again, this demonstrates how the rally promotes the territory and extends the tourist season—offering teams, drivers and fans the chance to enjoy Elba’s beauty in the mild days of early autumn.
________________________________________
LIVE STREAMING
As usual, this year the rally will feature extensive live coverage. Produced by partner SportCultura.tv with the support of ACI Sport, live broadcasts are planned on each of the three legs:
•Thursday 25 September – SS1 start 21:00 (live from 20:30)
•Friday 26 September – SS5 start 15:25 (live from 15:20)
•Saturday 27 September – SS8 start 13:20 (live from 13:15)
________________________________________
EVENT PROGRAMME
Thursday 25 September 2025
09:00–11:30: Porto Azzurro, Town Hall – Banchina IV Novembre
Road Book distribution & Administrative Checks
09:00–16:00: Porto Azzurro, Banchina IV Novembre – Scrutineering
08:00–18:00: Reconnaissance
20:40: Start – Porto Azzurro, Banchina IV Novembre
21:00: SS1 “Capoliveri” – 10.48 km
22:10: Finish Leg 1 – Capoliveri, “Il Pino” Car Park
Friday 26 September 2025
08:40: Start Leg 2 – Capoliveri, “Il Pino” Car Park
09:45: SS2 “Monumento” – 7.48 km
10:35: SS3 “Due Mari” – 19.03 km
13:18: Regroup IN – Portoferraio, Viale Elba Car Park
13:43: Regroup OUT – Portoferraio, Viale Elba Car Park
14:05: SS4 “Monumento” – 7.48 km
14:49: Regroup IN – Marciana Marina, Via Loyd Car Park
15:14: Regroup OUT – Marciana Marina, Via Loyd Car Park
15:25: SS5 “Marciana Marina – Marciana – Campo” – 18.34 km
17:40: Finish Leg 2 – entry to Parc Fermé – Capoliveri, “Il Pino” Car Park
Saturday 27 September 2025
08:40: Start Leg 3 – Lacona / Capoliveri, “Il Pino” Car Park
09:10: SS6 “Innamorata – Anna Puccini” – 9.85 km
10:10: SS7 “Volterraio – Cavo” – 26.94 km
11:40: Regroup IN – Porto Azzurro, Banchina IV Novembre
12:25: Regroup OUT – Porto Azzurro, Banchina IV Novembre
13:20: SS8 “Innamorata – Anna Puccini” – 9.85 km
14:20: SS9 “Volterraio – Cavo” – 5.68 km
14:40: SS10 “Bagnaia – Cavo” – 18.45 km
16:00: Final Arrival & Prize-giving – Capoliveri, Piazza Garibaldi
Photo: speakers at the conference (ph. Lorenzo Manzini)
SPORTITY
RALLY FIA EHRC: “RES25”
RALLY CIRAS: “ELBACIRAS25”
www.rallyelbastorico.net
PRESS OFFICE
c/o Alessandro Bugelli – Journalist (ODG 110772 – USSI 3886 – AIPS 9541)
a.bugelli@gmail.com
Source: Press Office
