GRR

Video: Fearless Italian hillclimb run

11th May 2021
Seán Ward

You know that moment when you’re approaching a corner and you have a little safety lift or comfort brake? Well now imagine driving up a hill as fast as you possibly could and not having a single lift, only coming off the gas when absolutely necessary. That is the bonkers world of hillclimbing, and where people like Christian Merli have clearly removed the parts of their brain that deal with fear.

We’ve shared plenty of hillclimb videos over the years, and we’ve explained many times how watching mountainside onboard runs gives the impression that the video has been sped up. That can certainly be said here, but what struck us today in particular was just how different it would be to drive up this particular stretch of road in a normal road car. You’d be brushing the brakes here and there, occasionally glancing at the scenery, enjoying a drive through the Italian countryside. Merli, on the other hand, has his right foot absolutely pinned, fighting understeer through hairpins and managing the power and torque from his Osella JrB everywhere else. It’s a damp road, too. Strewth.

Welcome to Goodwood Elevenses, a mid-morning helping of motoring-related amusement to help break up your day. Watch the last video: Mighty Cobra vs. Bizzarrini duel

  • Video

  • Onboard

  • Elevenses

Classic Car Insurance The Goodwood Way

ENQUIRE NOW
elevenses iron dames onboard.jpg

Modern

Video: Ride onboard with Sarah Bovy’s stunning São Paulo pole lap

08th August

911-rsr-elevenses.jpg

Modern

Video: This pure Porsche 911 RSR Le Mans onboard is heaven

20th March 2023

elevenses-qualifying-at-goodwood.jpg

Historic

Video: Onboard V8 Rover SD1 qualifying magic

26th April 2022

onboard-a1gp-team-brazil-2009-elevenses.jpg

Formula 1

Video: An onboard lap of the bonkers Portimao circuit

23rd October 2020

Elevenses Garage 56 Camaro onboard.jpg

Modern

Video: Flying around Le Mans in the Garage 56 Camaro

26th July

elevenses-porsche-956-79mm-360-onboard.jpg

Historic

Video: Stunning Porsche 956 360-degree onboard

12th July 2022

elevenses-rc-buggy-onboard.jpg

Modern

Video: Riding onboard a Nitro RC car is insane

21st October 2022

lamborghini-essenza-scv12-onboard-video-monza-goodwood-30102020.jpg

Modern

Video: Onboard the crazy Lamborghini SCV12

02nd November 2020