STORY OF THE DAY: Tadini Secures Second on Genoa’s Seafront

Mario Tadini finished second in the inaugural Circuito della Superba at Genoa, driving Scuderia Ferrari’s number 48 Alfa Romeo 12C-36. He completed all 50 laps and crossed the line 1 minute 16.2 seconds behind teammate Carlo Felice Trossi. Emilio Villoresi placed third in another Ferrari-entered Alfa, giving the team a complete podium in this non-championship Italian race.

Clemente Biondetti initially led in an eight-cylinder Alfa before Trossi’s 12C moved ahead on the third lap. Tadini soon established himself in second, and the two V12 cars controlled the event. Biondetti’s later differential failure removed the nearest challenger, leaving Tadini to preserve the formation as the leading pair circulated well clear of the remaining field.

The 12C-36 placed Vittorio Jano’s new supercharged 4.1-litre V12 in the independent-suspension Tipo C chassis first used by the 8C-35. The extra cylinders and displacement promised greater power, though the installation added weight and did not solve Alfa Romeo’s wider struggle against the German Grand Prix cars. On Genoa’s comparatively short coastal circuit, its performance was sufficient to dominate less formidable opposition.

Mario Tadini was an Italian driver and accomplished hill-climb specialist closely associated with Scuderia Ferrari during the 1930s. His precision on difficult courses brought him major successes in mountain competition as well as strong circuit results. At the Circuito della Superba, that disciplined style made him an effective partner to Trossi, ensuring that the team’s technical advantage became a secure one-two finish.