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Pirelli Classic Marathon

"History is repeating itself," said Tomas de Vargas Machuca, the joint Managing Director of HERO, The Historic Endurance Rallying Organisation. He added: "Twenty five years ago the Classic Marathon was the first event of its kind ever to be held."

The Classic Marathon, which is a qualifying round of the 2013 HERO Cup in association with EFG International, starts in Ypres in Belgium and finishes in Cortina d' Ampezzo in Italy. The rally is now run every other year by the Classic Rallying Association, which is an operating division of HERO.

Paul Hembery, Global Head of Motorsport at Pirelli said: "The Classic Marathon is one of the most famous classic car events held anywhere in the world and it gives us great pleasure to be supporting the event once again."

Tomas de Vargas Machuca added: "We are delighted to see the return of Pirelli to classic rallying. Not only does it bring the necessary prestige to this important event, but it also offers competitors and spectators the opportunity to associate Pirelli to classic car tyres as its heritage in rallying is amongst the most important in the world."

Jeremy Dickson the CRA's event Director said: "This is great news for classic rallying and we are also delighted that Paddy Hopkirk the 1964 Rallye de Monte-Carlo winner and 1990 Classic Marathon winner will be our guest speaker in Cortina. Not only that but EMO 6, the Mini Cooper S which Hopkirk used to win the Classic Marathon, will be used on the event."

The Rally will also be supported by Borgo Scopeto and Caparzo wineries, one of Tuscany's most notable wine producers.

The Pirelli Classic Marathon will visit Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Switzerland and will finish in Italy with an awards dinner at the exclusive ‘Sci Club 18', one of Italy's most important ski clubs.

About H.E.R.O

The Historic Endurance Rallying Organisation (H.E.R.O.) is a classic car club recognised by the Royal Automobile Club Motor Sports Association (the MSA - the official governing body for motor sport in the UK, affiliated to the FIA) and, through its membership of the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs, is affiliated to FIVA - the Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens. A classic car endurance rallying club that dates over eighteen years, HERO has organized more than 90 events (trials and tours) especially for classic cars. HERO also offers a wide range of services such as the Arrive & Drive classic/rally car hire program, corporate and bespoke event planning and organisation, storage and transport logistic, a Premier Membership that offers discounts throughout its network of Partners; making it a truly integrated one stop shop platform.

About CRA

The Classic Rally Association (CRA) is also a classic car club recognized by the Royal Automobile Club Motor Sports Association (the MSA - the official governing body for motor sport in the UK, affiliated to the FIA) and, through its membership of the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs, is affiliated to FIVA - the Fédération Internationale des Véhiculs Anciens.

The CRA can trace its roots back to the Coronation Rally, which Jeremy Dickson co- established in 1983. This was the first club level historic event and five years later came the Pirelli Classic Marathon - widely recognised as being the starting point of international classic rally events.

In 2013 the CRA will be celebrating its 25th Anniversary and has now run in excess of 70 events, the vast majority of which have been run in mainland Europe.