Monte Erice hillclimb prioritises safety with 100 marshals and emergency protocols

The 68th edition of Monte Erice, a hillclimb event organised by the Automobile Club Trapani, will take place this weekend with safety as the central focus. Verification runs begin on Friday, with competitive action scheduled for Saturday and Sunday across the Valderice and Erice stages. The event counts towards the Italian Historic Speed Hillclimb Championship, Italian Mountain Speed Championship, and Italian Historic Speed Hillclimb Classic Championship.

Race director Fabrizio Fondacci outlined an extensive safety operation involving approximately 100 marshals stationed across 35 positions along the course, plus additional personnel at start, finish, paddock and closed park zones. Fire and rescue services include eight personnel operating four vehicles, supplemented by SOS Valderice emergency cover. Two equipped fire service modules and two water cisterns—provided by the municipalities of Valderice and Erice—are positioned along the route. Six recovery vehicles and off-road units are deployed to assist stranded competitors.

Spectators have been issued strict guidelines to ensure safe event operations. Parking areas must be respected, with access roads kept clear for emergency vehicle movement. The road will close to public traffic at 05:30 on both Saturday and Sunday, though workers may transit until 06:45. After that time, the course is sealed to all vehicles, including drivers staying in Erice. Spectators must remain within designated zones marked by orange barriers or tape, maintaining safe distance from the roadway. Sitting behind straw bales or in non-designated areas is prohibited. All attendees must follow marshal and police instructions, and lighting fires, using portable stoves, or creating any hazard is strictly forbidden.