Autonomous Maserati MC20 Cielo to race in 1000 Miglia
The 1000 Miglia Autonomous Drive project, conceived and developed by the Politecnico di Milano in collaboration with 1000 Miglia, will see a Maserati MC20 Cielo drive autonomously along selected parts of the race’s route on June 13-17, 2023.
The Maserati model will be fitted with a “robo-driver” and, on the chosen roads, will be capable of driving completely autonomously, while adhering to the rules of the road.
To comply with authorization requirements for testing, the Maserati MC20 Cielo will have a human co-driver in the form of Matteo Marzotto, an experienced driver who has taken part in several 1000 Miglia races.
The initiative aims to increase the technical skills of Italian industry in the development of sustainable modes of transportation, and make the general public aware of the existence of this technology, which has already achieved results that were unthinkable just a few years ago but which still have enormous room for growth, both in terms of technology and in the cultural and regulatory spheres.
The project will also contribute to defining the procedures for promoting the use and development of autonomous cars, creating a connection between administrations and prominent Italian research centers.
“It is with great pleasure that, on behalf of the Automobile Club of Brescia, I strongly support this project, which reflects the future, development and human ingenuity, ideals and values that have been part of the 1000 Miglia since its inception in 1927,” said Cav. Aldo Bonomi, president of the Automobile Club of Brescia.
“The Red Arrow, in its almost 100 years of existence, has encouraged, favored and generated innovative technical and infrastructural solutions, such as windscreen wipers, the paving and lighting of road sections or the setting up of refueling and rest areas,” explained Beatrice Saottini, president of 1000 Miglia. “We could therefore not refrain from supporting this multi-faceted project without hesitation.”
Following the 2023 1000 Miglia, a trial program lasting a year will be conducted to further refine the artificial intelligence-driver technology, with the Maserati being tested on routes similar to those in the 1000 Miglia. In 2024, the project team is aiming to drive the entire route of the 1000 Miglia in autonomous mode.
