Kimi Antonelli drew huge crowds at Sport in Fiera. The Bologna-born driver, who lives in San Marino, was the standout star of Saturday’s event, attracting throngs of young fans and enthusiasts among the stands and during the opening ceremony, held in the presence of middle school students.
On stage alongside CONS president Christian Forcellini and Secretaries of State Rossano Fabbri and Teodoro Lonfernini, Antonelli answered questions from journalists Alessandro Alciato and Massimo Boccucci, speaking about his relationship with San Marino and, above all, his ambitions: “To become world champion and one of the greatest drivers of all time.”
He also reflected on the role sport has played in his personal growth. “Sport is life to me,” he told the young audience, “and I believe sport, in general, has made me the person I am today. When you compete at a high level, you learn the principles of life, respect for the people you work with and for your rivals, and you also learn to make sacrifices. Without sport, I don’t think I would have become the person I am now.”
Forcellini, Fabbri and Lonfernini pointed to Antonelli as a positive role model for young people, praising his humility and professionalism. The driver did not shy away from the enthusiasm of the crowd, posing for photos and signing autographs, and returning in the afternoon to visit the federations’ stands.
Sport in Fiera continues tomorrow with another full day of activities and exhibitions. A yoga session led by Women’s Lab is scheduled for 9am, followed at 9:45am by a run organized by Move. From 5:20pm, the event will celebrate the medalists of the Mediterranean Games in Taranto and award the winners of the CONS 2026 Literary Competition. The day will close at 6:40pm with a concert by the Istituto Musicale Sammarinese.
