There is more than a hint of irony that the start of the Peking to Paris 2028 launch event was delayed due to traffic. It is easily the most remarkable regularity around, and being on time is crucial.
But these things happen; just ask the runners up of the Pearl of India earlier in March.
The opening film was worth the wait alone, though. Deeply cinematic landscapes punctured by a vintage car, with deeply cinematic soundscapes swelling into the background.
“It is one the last true adventures,” remarked one anonymous voice among a chorus of evocative soundbites. Watching the short film would be enough to prompt anyone – who could afford the eye-watering entry fee – to dip into their pockets. The roads are dusty and rocky and sinuous, the scenery astonishing.
The stage guests, HERO-ERA chairman Tomas de Vargas Machuca, Guinness World Record holder Anton Gonnissen, hospitality director Eleonora Piccolo, competition director Guy Woodcock, route coordinator Chris Elkins and Melvyn Palmer of transportation expert CARS, combined to inspire yet more wanderlust.
Much of the discussion was centred on Mongolia, where the rally will return for the first time since the 2019 running. Ben Cussons, former chairman of the Royal Automobile Club and the man who shared the American LaFrance with Tomas on the 2024 edition, helped lead the diplomatic effort to gain passage for the 2028 rally. To do so has added 2500km to the route, making it the longest ever. For Tomas, it was a case of: “Find the right terrain, maintain the right spirit, and however much longer we have to drive, we will drive it to go through Mongolia.”
Returning there, according to Guy Woodcock, “Opens up true adventure,” and “an overwhelming feeling of freedom,” said Anton. Chris, meanwhile, recalled the absolute silence of being alone in the desert on the 2010 event. “It's good to camp in the middle of nowhere,” he added, “with the car you're driving half the way around the world, with your rally family. You see beautiful sunrises and sunsets, it’s a magical place.”
The country’s special place in the near 120-year history of the P2P will also be immortalised by a commemorative stone by the original route. The exact route of the 2028 P2P will take shape closer to the event depending on external factors, but Mongolia and Ulaanbaatar are guaranteed to be a stop off.
In another nod to the original event, Tomas will be piloting the sister Itala to that of the winner, Prince Scipione Borghese, who beat the competition by some 20 days. The recently acquired car stood outside the Command Works HQ of HERO-ERA, beating even a nearby McLaren F1 GTR for attention.
In its shadow was the three-wheel Contal that carried Anton into the record books when he clung on for the 2019 edition. It remains the longest distance travelled on three wheels, which is open to be beaten by some brave, lucky soul on the 2028 Peking to Paris.
Entries are being accepted now at hero-era.com.
