Video: 2026 Varzi Trophy highlights | 83MM

Varzi Trophy highlights

The France vs. Italy dynamic at play really added to the excitement of the Varzi Trophy, held exclusively for Alfa Romeos and Bugattis from the early 20^th century. Idyllic weather only added to the spectacle, for which the Bugatti Type 35C of Johnathan Bailey started on pole ahead of Patrick Blakeney-Edwards’ Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Monza.

Between the two marques it was the Bugattis that proved strongest through the midfield. While the two leaders pulled a full minute clear of the rest of the field, the gap between those in the pack remained remarkably close right to the chequered flag. With many of last year’s Varzi Trophy competitors returning to the grid, this 13‑lap race showcased true racing precision and motorsport talent right to the end.

Varzi Trophy Official Practice

Bringing us back to the 1920s and ’30s era of motor racing, the Varzi Trophy features a grid full of Grand Prix cars and Voiturettes, reflecting the advancement of the motor car we saw earlier this morning in the S.F. Edge Trophy, which celebrated French Bugattis and Italian Alfa Romeos.

At the front is Jonathan Bailey in the 1927 Bugatti Type 35C, nearly two seconds quicker than the rest of the pack and sitting comfortably on pole. Keeping him company at the sharp end is last year’s winner Patrick Blakeney‑Edwards, who lines up second in the 1933 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Monza, with Julian Majzub third in the 1927 Bugatti Type 35B. Methuen House Captain Marino Franchitti will start fifth in his own 1927 Bugatti Type 35B, hoping to work his way up the order in this historic race tomorrow at 10:40.

Varzi Trophy grid (top 10)

Photography by Joe Harding and Pete Summers.

When is the 2026 Varzi Trophy?

In 2026, the Varzi Trophy will be a 20-minute race contested exclusively by Alfa Romeos and Bugattis. Official Practice takes place at 11:50 on Saturday, with the race following at 10:40 on Sunday. Spectators are invited to get down to the track and experience the formative years of what would become the world-famous Formula 1 Grand Prix.

Who’s competing in the 2026 Varzi Trophy?

Following its return in 2022 at the 79^th Members’ Meeting, the Varzi Trophy once again welcomes a strong field of pre-war Grand Prix machinery. Returning competitors include Patrick Blakeney-Edwards, who previously contested the event in his Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Monza, and Duncan Pittaway, who will be eager to make his mark in his distinctive 1925 Bugatti Type 35. Captaining Methuen this weekend is Marino Franchitti, who also joins the fray for this race, alongside Julian Majzub and Stephan Rettenmaier.

Which cars will be competing in the 2026 Varzi Trophy?

The 2026 Varzi Trophy will showcase an outstanding selection of pre-war Grand Prix machinery, led by the legendary Alfa Romeo 8C models and the ever-iconic Bugatti Type 35 in its various forms. The grid features examples of the Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 and 8C 2600 Monza, cars that defined Grand Prix competition in the inter-war years, alongside a formidable cohort of Bugatti Type 35, 35B, 35C and Type 51 variants.

Adding further significance is the presence of the Alfa Romeo P3 (Tipo B), one of the most important single-seater Grand Prix cars of its era, ensuring the Varzi Trophy remains an authentic and evocative celebration of early Grand Prix racing.

Photography by Jayson Fong and Michal Pospisil. 

The 83rd Members' Meeting is live now! You can watch every moment of the action on our live stream right here on GRR.

Tickets for the 84th Members’ Meeting will be available immediately after this year’s event for Members and Fellows of the GRRC. Admission and Grandstand tickets will go on sale on Monday 20th April for Members, and Tuesday 21st April for Fellows.