Motorsports

FIA European Hill-Climb Championship

Ascoli Piceno, Italy

It is an extremely intense race for the driver, albeit a short one – a race against time on a narrow, winding road with an average length of between 5 and 7km. The driver is very much alone here – and his concentration is paramount, as well as his confidence in his vehicle and his knowledge of the snaking asphalt track. The slightest hesitation can seriously affect overall performance, as the timer seems to tick away quicker than elsewhere in this type of racing. Here, race strategy is clear-cut – a “maximum attack” approach is required from the very first to the last centimetre of the route, as for an athlete running the 100 metres. Hill-climb offers authentic charm, with its natural setting, difficult roads, drivers who are truly driven, intrepid racing, finely honed engineering and proximity with the public.

Hill-climb is also a discipline with a rich history. The FIA European Hill-Climb Championship is the oldest of the FIA Championships still running today, all disciplines combined. Its first edition dates back to 1930.