In 2006 the FIA will sanction a revival of the mythical Targa Florio race in Sicily, that will celebrate the race's famous history.

While little information has been given away to the format as yet, this centenary edition is expected to attract the cream of drivers both past and present.

Along with the Le Mans 24 Hours and the Mille Miglia, this is a race that has earned its place in history.

Rumour is rife that reigning Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher will drive a Ferrari, a marque synonymous with the Targa Florio.

Also being linked with this event is former F1 champion Mika Hakkinen, a driver still contracted to Mercedes-Benz, another carmaker steeped in Targa tradition.

Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason, an avid sportscar collector and regular historic racer in his Ferrari 250 GTO, is also reportedly enthusiastic about taking part.

The legendary Targa Florio, was created by Sicilian Vincenzo Florio, the first race being held in 1906. Over the next seventy year the countless duels and dramas of this amazing race embedded themselves in the sport's folklore.
 

By the time of the first race, Vincenzo had already secured himself a place in local legend when, having imported a French motor-tricycle to Sicily, he organised the island's first race. However as he owned the sole car on the island, the race took place against a cyclist and a horserider.

The first Targa Florio was run over three laps of the island, the distance totalling around 275 miles.

Competitors on that first event raced over twisting mountain roads with constant with sheer drops, and surfaces that were virtually unchanged since the Punic wars. On top of this wolves, bandits and different weather conditions all conspired against the drivers.

This first running saw only ten cars taking part after a strike at Genoa docks held up some of the competitors. After nine hours of racing, Alessandro Cagno won the race at an average speed of 29.06mph.

Hugely popular with the locals, the legendary race was born, and the year after saw more than fifty entries arrive, including a Fiat driven by none other than Vincenzo Lancia.

After a break for World War One, the event resumed and proceeded to gather pace. In 1921 the factory teams turned up: Alfa Romeo with no less than four cars, and Fiat with two.

Countless races became muyths. The 1930 edition is a good example. Achille Varzi, driving an Alfa Romeo P2 raced into an early lead ahead of his arch-rival Tazio Nuvolari.

However, over the rough mountain roads his spare wheel began to work itself loose, and in the process, it punctured the petrol tank.

Despite the fact that Varzi was forced to stop more often for fuel, he hung onto the lead. At the last fuel stop the riding mechanic also grabbed a spare can of fuel.

Drama struck when, as the mechanic attempted to refuel while at speed, petrol spilt onto the hot exhaust pipes, causing an instant fire.

Unwilling to stop and hand victory to his deadly rival, Varzi continued to press on.

The move paid off, and he crossed the finish line to claim victory in dramatic fashion, his mechanic frantically attempting to keep the flames at bay by beating the fire with his seat cushion.
 

Yet another edition to enter history was the 580.32-mile 1955 race, which saw victory go to factory Mercedes-Benz drivers, Stirling Moss and Peter Collins.

The German company, who had already announced they would quit motor racing at the end of that season, arrived with no less than five 300SLRs, nearly fifty mechanics and seven trucks. Other drivers on the team included Argentinean, Juan-Manuel Fagio.

Despite starting last, Moss passed the entire field on the first of thirteen laps. A crash dropped him down the field, from which he recovered, while co-driver Peter Collins also went off the track before the pair swept to victory.

The race continued into the mid 1970's before safety issues forced its abandonment.

Now, in 2006, on the hundredth anniversary of that first race, full FIA sanction will see this legendary race remembered in a style that it truly deserves.

Racing fan the world over will eagerly await this chance to relive the glories and the legends that unfolded with each dramatic encounter.