STORY OF THE DAY: Nuvolari Gives Scuderia Ferrari Its First Victory

On 15 June 1930, Tazio Nuvolari drove the number 36 Alfa Romeo P2 to the fastest time in the Trieste–Opicina hill climb. He covered the 9.5-kilometre course in 5 minutes 59.4 seconds, averaging slightly more than 95 km/h and establishing a new record. The result was the first overall victory achieved by the recently formed Scuderia Ferrari, which was then campaigning Alfa Romeo machinery.

The significance of the afternoon extended beyond the result sheet. Scuderia Ferrari had made its competition debut only two months earlier and had yet to win outright. Nuvolari attacked the short, steep course with Francesco Severi riding beside him as mechanic, decisively separating the P2 from the rest of the field. The combination of an established Grand Prix car, an exceptionally committed driver and Ferrari’s new organization produced the landmark success.

Designed by Vittorio Jano for the two-litre Grand Prix formula, the P2 used a supercharged 1,987 cc straight-eight with twin overhead camshafts. Its ladder-frame chassis, rigid axles and mechanical drum brakes reflected mid-1920s practice, but the engine remained formidable. Alfa Romeo reacquired and extensively revised several P2s for 1930, modifying their bodywork, cooling and suspension for renewed use in races and hill climbs, where strong acceleration and a high power-to-weight ratio were especially valuable.

Tazio Nuvolari was an Italian from Castel d’Ario near Mantua who had first become prominent as a motorcycle racer before establishing himself in cars. His 1930 season brought major victories with Alfa Romeo, including the Mille Miglia, and accelerated his rise among Europe’s leading drivers. At Trieste–Opicina he drove an Alfa Romeo entrusted to Scuderia Ferrari, beginning an association with Enzo Ferrari’s team that would produce some of the defining performances of both men’s early careers.