Pirelli is to sponsor the Classic Marathon rally 25 years after it first supported the famous event in 1988. “History is repeating itself,” said Tomas de Vargas Machuca, the joint Managing Director of HERO, The Historic Endurance Rallying Organisation. He added: “Twenty five years ago the Classic Marathon was the first event of its kind ever to be held.” The Classic Marathon, which is a qualifying round of the 2013 HERO Cup in association with EFG International, starts in Ypres in Belgium and finishes in Cortina d’ Ampezzo in Italy. The rally is now run every other year by the Classic Rallying Association, which is an operating division of HERO. Paul Hembery, Global Head of Motorsport at Pirelli said: “The Classic Marathon is one of the most famous classic car events held anywhere in the world and it gives us great pleasure to be supporting the event once again.” Tomas de Vargas Machuca added: “We are delighted to see the return of Pirelli to classic rallying. Not only does it bring the necessary prestige to this important event, but it also offers competitors and spectators the opportunity to associate Pirelli to classic car tyres as its heritage in rallying is amongst the most important in the world.” Jeremy Dickson the CRA’s event Director said: “This is great news for classic rallying and we are also delighted that Paddy Hopkirk the 1964 Rallye de Monte-Carlo winner and 1990 Classic Marathon winner will be our guest speaker in Cortina. Not only that but EMO 6, the Mini Cooper S which Hopkirk used to win the Classic Marathon, will be used on the event.” The Rally will also be supported by Borgo Scopeto and Caparzo wineries, one of Tuscany’s most notable wine producers. The Pirelli Classic Marathon will visit Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Switzerland and will finish in Italy with an awards dinner at the exclusive ‘Sci Club 18’, one of Italy’s most important ski clubs. From Motorin News