“It doesn't matter what fate throws at you, it's about how you react”
En bref
- An enthusiast for antique vehicles, on the ground and in the air as well (he owns a Bushplane and a vintage biplane), Filippo Colnaghi is passionate for the desert and is used to driving iconic cars, including his grandfather’s BMW 507, that he used for the Mille Miglia, and a GS bike that took him to Tunisia.
- Colnaghi discovered the Saudi desert and the Dakar Classic in 2024 and made it through the event in 14th position, with a stage podium finish. Aboard a new car, he entered the 2025 edition with the strongest ambitions before mechanical issues put a momentary end to his dreams of success.
- In 2026, Colnaghi will be missing his friend Daniele Bottallo, but he found a new partner in Irene Saderini. If fortune smiles upon them, expect to see them in the very first part of the standings.
- A successful Dakar Classic would nurture his ambition to race with more powerful and modern cars to go full gas through the desert.
Ambition
F. C.: “I hope to enjoy myself because, honestly, last year I hoped to win. I went in with that winner's mentality and it started well, because I had my mind set on doing that, but after I suffered major engine issues, I switched off. It was a mistake, because I could have shown how well I drive and tried to win some stages. It doesn't matter what fate throws at you, it's about how you react. I had some issues again along the year but I won the Rally 555 Romania.
I want to understand how well I can do, see if I have the potential to do well in this sport in more professional races than the Classic. Obviously, you have to be careful in the Dakar, you have to know how to drive the dunes, but I also enjoy the speed races I do otherwise. It’s one of the best moments when I get behind the wheel and I’m just looking at the road. I become one with the car. My brain shuts down and does only one thing, it’s a bit like meditating.
I'm still hungry for victory, but with a little more humility, ready for the unexpected and prepared to react in the best possible way to enjoy the race and support the crews who need it!
The car is really comfortable, with a long wheelbase and a softer suspension system. No dust gets in because I had a bulkhead installed, so the car is well sealed, so when there's dust and so on, I always get out of the car like a gentleman. Now, let’s take it to the finish.”
