A genuine outpouring of enthusiasm greeted Kimi Antonelli in San Marino. Children, teenagers, families and racing fans turned out in force to welcome the Italian Formula 1 driver, who was the star this morning in Serravalle at the official opening of the 28th edition of Sport in Fiera.
Antonelli’s arrival was without doubt one of the most anticipated moments of the event, and the reception more than lived up to expectations. Huge numbers of people gathered around the young driver, who in a remarkably short time has become one of the most recognisable and followed faces in Italian motorsport. Excitement ran especially high among the youngest fans, all eager to catch a glimpse of him, snap a photo and take home a memory of the day.
His presence turned what is usually a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony into something of a celebration. Antonelli took part in the opening alongside the president of the San Marino National Olympic Committee (CONS), Christian Forcellini, the Secretary of State for Sport, Rossano Fabbri, and the Secretary of State for Education, Teodoro Lonfernini.
The official opening had originally been scheduled for Friday afternoon but was postponed to this morning — a change that ended up putting even more of a spotlight on the second day of the event, with Antonelli acting as a genuine magnet for the crowds.
Sport in Fiera had nonetheless already opened its doors on Friday, introducing a first in the event’s history: the participation of fourth and fifth grade pupils from San Marino’s primary schools. The students were able to move between the federations’ stands, discover different sports and, above all, try them out for themselves.
This, in fact, is precisely the spirit behind the event organised by the San Marino National Olympic Committee: bringing together, for a few days, much of the Titano’s sporting world under one roof, giving young people in particular the chance to get up close with disciplines they may previously have known only by name.
Kimi Antonelli’s presence inevitably gave the 2026 edition an extra spark. The driver drew attention from the moment he arrived, with crowds ready to welcome him and countless children at the front of the line. CONS summed up the scene on its social media channels as “Kimi Antonelli mania” — a mix of childhood dreams and a genuine sea of fans.
But the weekend in Serravalle isn’t only about Formula 1. Sport in Fiera continues with dozens of activities, demonstrations and exhibitions, turning the sports centre into a great showcase for San Marino sport. Federations and associations have set up their own spaces to present disciplines, activities and opportunities for children, teenagers and adults alike.
The programme also includes fitness and wellness sessions, with a Pilates class by Women’s Lab scheduled for 3pm on the main stage, and an Hyrox session run by the Move gym at 5pm at San Marino Stadium. At 6.30pm, the spotlight shifts to a show by magician Raffaello.
Alongside the sporting programme, there is also room for culture. Among the event’s highlights is the presentation of a book marking the 60th anniversary of the San Marino Motorcycling Federation, while the CONS conference rooms are hosting talks and discussions on training and the world of athletes.
The event also looks back at the major international competitions that saw San Marino take part in 2026. Inside the CONS stand, a photo exhibition dedicated to the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics and the Mediterranean Games has been set up, retracing through images the experience of the country’s blue-and-white athletes.
Visitors can also browse the official San Marino Team merchandise by Adidas, including the kit worn by San Marino’s athletes at the 2026 Mediterranean Games in Taranto, which will accompany the delegation at upcoming international events.
Sport in Fiera runs until Sunday, at the Serravalle sports centre, with free admission. To ease traffic flow, visitors can leave their cars in the upper-floor car park at Trony and reach the venue via a free shuttle service.
In the meantime, the image destined to become a symbol of this 28th edition has already been captured: Kimi Antonelli surrounded by a sea of children and fans, phones held high, smiles all around, and Formula 1 feeling, for one morning at least, a great deal closer to San Marino.
