27th September 2024: The two Sicilian drivers have known each other for a couple of years, and proudly represent the Carrera team. Let’s find out more about their fascinating sporting careers, beginning with Francesco.
When did you decide to start motor racing?
I do not come from a traditional racing background, but in 1984 I began a 10-year period of kart racing. In 1997 I bought myself a Giulietta Sprint Speciale 1300 prepared by Chiapparini, and I started racing in the Italian Vintage Car Championship. This Alfa Romeo was lacking in braking power; it was a challenge to stop because it had a three-shoe drum brake system instead of disk brakes. This made it hard for me to hold my own against the Lotus Elite. In 1999 I bought a GTA 1300, which once again gave me a competitive edge in the championship. I have also taken part in a few uphill races with a GTAm prepared by the Carrera team. I have competed in Master Prototype races with an Osella PA20s powered by BMW (3000cc inline 6). I also drove a Porsche 911 RS 2.7 in the same period. At a certain point I sold the GTAm and rented a GTA 1600 gr4 with the “33” set-up (wide axle track); a vehicle that was a source of great satisfaction, with its powerful and straightforward dynamics. With the GTA 1600, I was almost always in the front row for the many Alfa Revival Cup races I took part in. In 2019 I began to race with the “narrow” GTA 1600.
Driving is pure passion for me, and I also have fun on the road, as well as on the racetrack. I have a number of iconic vintage cars, such as a Jaguar E-Type Series 1, an Austin Healey mk2 3000 and a Ferrari 208 GTS Turbo.
In light of your passion for driving, tell us what you think of motorsports.
It is the ultimate celebration and expression of my passion for motoring, pure enjoyment. I have taken part in as many as three different championships in a single weekend. I chose to race with vintage cars from the very beginning, driven by the sensations I experienced with races in Sicily. When I was a little boy, I would go to see the Targa Florio and speed hillclimbing races; in that period, the cars that are now considered to be “vintage” were in production and represented the height of technology and speed. It was all incredibly attractive for such a young enthusiast.
What is your favourite moment of in a race?
When the green light goes out, all your worries disappear. You push hard down on the accelerator and there is an explosion of fun.
Looking back, what is the most exciting race you can remember?
It is hard to pick just one; I would say coming fifth in the Magione two-hour endurance race and the many wins with the GTA 1600 gr4 on thrilling circuits like Imola, Mugello and the Red Bull Ring.
Why did you choose the Alfa Revival Cup and vintage Alfa Romeos?
I signed up with the GTAm as soon as the championship was launched. Since then, I have raced in every season, with a range of cars.
As far as vintage Alfa Romeos go, everything began in 1997, when a friend sold me his Giulietta SS. I was immediately swept away by the history and the prestige of the Milanese car maker. Mine is a passion that has stood the test of time; I have been racing nothing but Alfa Romeos for 26 years.
What are your goals for the 2024 season?
To try and win the championship, but I think it will be impossible.
Let’s turn to Antonio Crescenti.
When did you decide to start motor racing? What car did you begin with?
I began in 2004 during the Targa Florio, but not at the wheel; I was navigator for my brother with a GTAm. My first true race was in 2010 at the Monza circuit for the stage of the Italian Vintage Car Championship. Unfortunately, I got no further than the qualifying round due to a mechanical failure. The same year, I took part in the 300 km in Vallelunga, again with the GTAm. In 2012 I participated in the first season of the Alfa Revival Cup, and I was hooked. I have had other driving experiences over the years, with the BMW 2002 Turbo, the Porsche 911 “3000” and Mitjet.
What does motorsport represent for you?
It is my number one passion; getting into a car is a source of irrepressible excitement for me. It is a passion that my father passed on to both me and my brother. I train by going karting.
Tell me about your favourite moment of a race.
Seeing the chequered flag when I am in first place.
Of all the races you have run, which is your fondest memory?
Without a doubt the Imola stage of the Italian Vintage Car Championship with the GTAm because, in my opinion, Imola is the best, most technical racetrack, offering the most intense driving experience.
What led you to choose the Alfa Revival Cup?
It was a natural choice, seeing as I had an Alfa Romeo, above all because it is a single-make race. I have competed in the Alfa Revival Cup in various cars before the current one; a Giulia Quadrifoglio 1600 from 1963 and a GT 1600 (which belonged to my father).
What are your goals?
So far, we are doing well, we should finish with a good result.
Which do you prefer between the GTAm and the BMW 2002 Turbo?
They are two cars that can only be compared up to a certain point. It is true that the mechanical layout is similar, and although the Alfa Romeo is older, they both offer similar performance. The BMW has better roadholding, thanks to its more evolved suspension, and when prepared well, the German car is sharper.
