Targa Florio Introduction

Targa Florio is a unique competition which is open to a selection of cars. The largest range is vehicles manufactured from 1907 to 1976, Ferraris from 1977 and Supercars from 1990. As can be appreciated these vehicle are highly valued both fiscally and emotionally. Hence, Targa Florio is based on the skills on the driver and the navigator rather than overall speed which, is the case, in many rally events. The courses used in Targa Florio are on paved surfaces or common roads and the speeds required are quite modest. The overall effect is to preserve the valued cars yet challenge the drivers and navigators while highlighting the pleasure of driving.

Targa Florio Stages

Targa Florio is based on two types of competition stages;

Time Trials (PC's) [PC = Prove Cronometrate]

The key is to accurately drive these short sections, between 40 and 400 meters long, in exactly the correct set time. There are usually 2-4 of these in a row each time and they are positioned off the main roads. The vehicles are timed by driving over timing tubes to start and then end each stage. There are more than 70 of these on the event over the 4 days and they are timed to within 1/100 of a second. The team are penalised 1 point for each 1/100th of a second they are off the exact set time. This is where the competition is won and lost.

Average Speed Tests (PM's) [PM = Prove di Media]

The key with PM's is to maintain the set average speed over the distance set, usually 5-10km. There are 1 -2 of these tests each day. The test starts on instructions of a Marshall and the speed checked at secret locations anywhere during the prescribed distances . These are timed to 1/10 of a second. Penalties for being slower or quicker are incurred.

Unlike other rally stages, the distances are not specified in advance. This is the crux of testing the driver's and navigator's skill.

Here are descriptions of the Targa Florio PAVAS stages, configuration and stage operation modes. Targa Florio demonstration mode.

Reference: Targa Florio 2019 | Australian Tribute Classica