BRITISH RACING GREEN TAKES CENTER STAGE AT COMO

FuoriConcorso

Summary:

• Over 50 British racing cars from Queen Elizabeth II's reign will be displayed at Villa del Grumello and Villa Sucota on May 25-26
• Notable exhibits include Ayrton Senna's McLaren MP4/4 and the championship-winning Lotus 72 driven by Emerson Fittipaldi
• The event features a recreated Formula 1 starting grid, conversation programs with industry figures, and brand showcases from Aston Martin and Porsche

Lake Como prepares to host its annual FuoriConcorso event, returning for its sixth edition on May 25-26, 2025. This year's theme, "British Racing Green", will showcase more than 50 British racing cars built during the 70-year reign of Queen Elizabeth II.

The event takes place across two historic venues: Villa del Grumello and Villa Sucota, connected by a one-kilometer route along the lake. Founder Guglielmo Miani, who also serves as President of fashion house Larusmiani, established FuoriConcorso in 2019 as a tribute to automotive craftsmanship and racing heritage.

Racing Legends on Display

Among the featured vehicles, Ayrton Senna's McLaren MP4/4 will arrive directly from Turin's National Automobile Museum, marking thirty years since the Brazilian driver's death at Imola in 1994. The car represents one of the most successful Formula 1 machines in history, having won 15 out of 16 races during the 1988 season.

The legendary Lotus 72 will also be present, the same model that carried Emerson Fittipaldi to victory at the 1972 Italian Grand Prix at Monza. Designed by Colin Chapman and Maurice Philippe, the Lotus 72 dominated Formula 1 from 1970 to 1976, known for its distinctive black and gold John Player Special livery and advanced aerodynamics that eliminated the traditional front-mounted radiator.

A recreated Formula 1 starting grid featuring over 15 cars will occupy the gardens of Villa del Grumello. The display will include engine start-up demonstrations, typically reserved for trackside pit access. A Red Bull Formula 1 car will be positioned overlooking Lake Como for public viewing and photography.

British Racing Green Heritage

The event's color theme traces back to the 1903 Gordon Bennett Cup in Ireland, when British cars were painted green as a gesture of respect to their Irish hosts, since motor racing was prohibited on British public roads at the time. This shade became the official color for British international motor racing, worn by manufacturers including Aston Martin, Cooper, Jaguar, Lotus, McLaren, Williams, and BRM during their championship-winning years in the 1950s and 1960s.

Cars on display will have been driven by notable champions including Mika Häkkinen, Niki Lauda, Rubens Barrichello, Graham Hill, and Eddie Irvine. The collection extends beyond Formula 1 to include Le Mans 24 Hours competitors, Group C sports cars, and vehicles from the Paris-Dakar Rally and Carrera Panamericana.

Brand Showcases and World Premieres

Villa Sucota will be transformed into "Casa Aston Martin," featuring the brand's racing heritage with displays including the iconic DB3S and other GT championship cars. The British manufacturer's presence acknowledges its role in motorsport history and cultural significance through the James Bond film franchise.

Lotus will present its Evija electric hypercar in John Player Special livery, producing 2,000 horsepower. The display demonstrates how modern technology can honor racing heritage while advancing toward electrification.

Porsche will occupy a restored greenhouse at Villa del Grumello, presenting collector vehicles in various green shades. The display includes a 992 Turbo S in Aventurine Green Metallic, a Taycan 4S in Oak Green Metallic Neo, and a one-off 911 Turbo S in Urban Bamboo Chromaflair from the Sonderwunsch special request department.

The event will host its first world premiere with the AGTZ Twin Tail La Squadra + Zagato, a grand tourer based on the Alpine A110. Limited to 19 examples, the car represents a collaboration between Alpine and Italian design house Zagato.

Industry Conversations and Cultural Programs

"Conversation Programs" will feature drivers, engineers, and industry executives in panel discussions covering topics including British race car development, professional automotive photography, and collecting strategies. These sessions allow direct interaction between enthusiasts and industry professionals.

Horacio Pagani returns to FuoriConcorso following last year's appearance with the Zonda Revo Barchetta, bringing the track-focused Huayra R in British Racing Green. Swedish manufacturer Koenigsegg will display the CCGT, their only racing model produced to date.

Marc Philipp Gemballa will present the MARSIEN, an off-road capable supercar inspired by the Porsche 959 that won the 1980 Dakar Rally. The vehicle represents a contemporary interpretation of the legendary all-terrain racing car, with bodywork designed by Alan Deroisier.

Photography and Cultural Elements

German automotive photographer René Staud will exhibit his work in Villa Sucota's west wing. Based in Stuttgart for over forty years, Staud has photographed vehicles for leading manufacturers across all continents. His exhibition will include available prints and signing opportunities for existing collectors.

A photography competition challenges visitors to capture "Speed in the portrait," with entries submitted via Instagram tagging @fuoriconcorso. Winners will be announced by June 25, with prizes provided by Sony.

The weekend programming includes Scottish bagpipe performances, cocktail receptions featuring Villa Sandi prosecco and Red Bull drinks, and DJ sets by French composer Revers Gagnant. Three dining venues will operate throughout the event, including restaurants managed by SPUMA and the FuoriConcorso Bistrot.

Practical Information

Entry costs €150 for single-day access or €200 for both days, with group packages available for five people at €600 (one day) or €800 (two days). Visitors under 18 receive free admission when accompanied by an adult over 26, with a maximum of two minors per adult. Those aged 18-25 receive 50% discounts on tickets purchased at the venue.

Hours run from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM both days, with final admission at 7:30 PM Saturday and 6:30 PM Sunday. The venues are located at via per Cernobbio, 11 in Como.

Additional activities include seaplane flights over Lake Como through Aeroclub Como and a children's play area created with the TOG Foundation, featuring electric car racing with computerized timing systems.

A preliminary rally from St. Moritz to Como on May 17-18 will precede the main event, starting from the Grace La Margna hotel and passing through Swiss Alpine towns including Sils im Engadin and the Giacometti Centre in Stampa.