Merli returns to racing at 49th Cividale-Castelmonte hillclimb
European hillclimb champion Christian Merli will compete in the 49th Cividale-Castelmonte on 4 October in Italy's Friuli region, marking his return to racing after a period away from competition.
Christian Merli is set to make his racing comeback at the 49th Cividale-Castelmonte hillclimb on 4 October, competing under the Pintarally Motorsport banner. The Trentino driver will pilot a Nova Proto NP01 powered by a 3000cc Cosworth engine up the technical 6.395-kilometre course that winds towards the Santuario di Castelmonte in Udine, Friuli-Venezia Giulia. The event counts towards the SUPERCIVM 2026 championship.
Merli brings an impressive record at this venue. He claimed his first outright victory here in 2004 driving a Lucchini for Team Tschager—a breakthrough moment in his career that he recalls being celebrated by former Formula One driver Clay Regazzoni. He has since won the event twice more: in 2016 with an Osella PA 21 JrB 1000 and three years ago at the wheel of an Osella FA30 Evo Zytek. The Nova Proto NP01 will mark his debut on the Cividale-Castelmonte course in this particular machine.
The hillclimb's narrow, winding layout spans 6.395 kilometres and incorporates downhill sections and three chicanes designed to control speed, lending it characteristics more akin to a rally special stage. Merli emphasised that his primary focus for the weekend is to rediscover his connection with the car and enjoy the experience after his absence from competition. He highlighted the passionate crowd and the technical nature of the course as key attractions.
Official reconnaissance runs are scheduled for Saturday, 3 October, with two competitive runs taking place on Sunday to determine the 2026 champion.