Leeds - Modena, end March, solo trip

[Ali_GTS]

For reasons beyond my sanity, at the start of the year a friend and I decided to sign up for the Enzo Ferrari memorial half marathon which takes place at the end of this month (29th March). What swayed my thinking was probably the fact that the course involves running through the factory grounds and doing lap of Fiorano- and that’s the closest I’m ever going to get to emulating messers Schumacher, Leclerc, Hamilton and co.

Anyway between signing up and now, my friend has broken a bone in his foot. So what was going to be a 2 person European road trip is now a solo drive.

My plan is to leave the frozen wastelands of the north on the afternoon of Weds 25th, heading for the channel tunnel, get off the other side early evening and head for Reims as my one and only stop in France. I’m thinking of staying at the Novotel Tinqueux, just off the A26. Then an early start on the Thursday via the Mont Blanc tunnel, avoiding Switzerland, arriving in Modena that evening.

Friday and Saturday to rest and recover, have a mooch around a couple of museums and pick up my race paperwork, and maybe try and find the famed roads that the likes of Evo use to test new Ferraris.

Sunday am a bright and early start for the half marathon and then a Sunday afternoon departure back. Aim is to be back in Leeds by Monday late evening, again via the tunnel.

For more experienced drivers and those that have made the pilgrimage to motor valley - is that reasonable? Also any tips on the best electronic toll tag thingy that would work in both France and Italy? I’ll be in a Maserati Granturismo which I’m hoping will be perfectly suited to a cross continent blast and to lope around Emilia Romagna.

[Penfolds]

It should be pretty easy to do in two days assuming you don't mind a long day driving. I’d recommend Bip&Go for the toll tag, I’ve had mine for years. You can sign up so it only get charged when you use it, so no pointless monthly fees.

[gazza5]

I can't help with the drive, as for the first time ever, we took the plane and hired a car.

However I can help you on the museums.

It was in this order:

Ferrari (both)
Alfa Romeo
Pagani
Lamborghini

We did the behind the scene tour of the pagani, it was good but felt a bit rushed - also managed to hear one coming back to the factory as we left which was a highlight.

We also did the behind the scenes tour at Ferrari - however I thought we would get to go around the track, however the day we were there it was closed - so all we got was a look at it, and that was it, which was disappointing.

Lamborghini museum - tbh its a waste of time, about 12 cars, I learnt more about lamborghini from the film on amazon prime than I did at the museum - wouldn't waste the 30 minutes to go round it, or the aggro of parking etc.

Italians driving well its a experience and thats all I can say.

[Koyaanisqatsi]

Another recommendation for Bip & Go tag

[Magic919]

That Tinqueux to Modena leg will be a longer drive than I’d normally do in a day. I’m sure your age and fitness will help with that.

BIP&GO tag is the one we use.

My wife has done the marathon there. She’s mentioned stiffness on the drive back. It’s not clear what you plan regarding getting some rest.

Good luck.

[Magic919]

I haven’t mentioned the car but presume you’ve considered Crit’Air for Reims and winter tyres/chains for Italy.