Faggioli claims 20th national title at 71st Coppa Nissena hillclimb

Simone Faggioli secured his 20th Italian national hillclimb championship title at the 71st Coppa Nissena on Sicily, held at the 5km Caltanissetta circuit. The Italian driver, piloting a Nova NP 01-2 C Judd, delivered an impressive performance in challenging conditions to claim overall victory. The event was marked by a serious accident during the first run that forced a two-hour interruption; the second run was subsequently cancelled due to incoming rain.

Faggioli also set a new track record at Caltanissetta, becoming the first driver to break the two-minute barrier on the high-speed course. Stefano di Fulvio finished second overall in his Nova NP 01-2 C Honda Turbo, securing vice-champion status in the Supersalita championship in his first attempt at the demanding circuit. Samuele Cassibba completed the podium in third place, driving a Nova NP 01-2 C Judd and claiming victory in the E2-SC sportprototype class.

In the touring car category, Giuseppe Aragona won overall in his VW Golf MK.7 Proto, also setting a new E1 class record. Manuel Dondi finished second in an Alfa Romeo-powered Fiat X1/9, establishing a new E2-SH class record, while Kadija Mourtaji took third place in a Ferrari 296 Challenge on her debut in the car. Mourtaji was involved in a significant accident at the finish line during the first run but escaped with minor injuries; trackside officials were also slightly hurt in the incident.

Other notable finishers included Mirko Torsellini in fourth overall (Norma M20FC Zytek, 0.17 seconds behind third), Achille Lombardi fifth (Osella PA30 Judd), and Luigi Fazzino sixth (Osella PA30 Zytek Evo, 0.31 seconds from fifth). Technical retirements affected potential contenders Francesco Conticelli and Michele Puglisi, both Sicilian drivers who had shown strong pace in practice.