The Frecce Tricolori of the skies recently joined together with the Frecce Tricolori of the earth as the famous and always spectacular Italian military aerobatics team joined together with the recently reborn Abarth brand for a series of events.

The Frecce Tricolori of the skies recently joined together with the Frecce Tricolori of the earth as the famous and always spectacular Italian military aerobatics team joined together with the recently reborn Abarth brand for a series of events.

Both the Frecce Tricolori and Abarth are perfect symbols of 'Made in Italy' and have much in common with each other: their long traditions in the fields of powerful engines, ability and technology. To celebrate these synergies Abarth has recently sponsored two events of the pattuglia acrobatica nazionale (PAN) of the Aeronautica Militare Italiana.

The first event was held on May 1 at the aerobatic team's at Rivolto (Udine) base. Abarth also sponsored Giornata Azzurra 2008, the most important aeronautical event in Italy; taking place near Rome, it attracts visitors from across the world. A fleet of specially-liveried Grande Punto Abarth 'esseesse' versions, each carrying the pilots name and number as well as the squadron's crest, whisked the pilots from the hangars to their aircraft while Abarth also had a stand where similar cars finished in the 'esseesee' kit could be admired and ordered. The 500 Abarth was also on show.

The Frecce Tricolori are biggest (ten MB339 aircraft) aerobatic team in the world, they fly at air shows around the world and are an offspring of a strong Italian aerobatics tradition. All through the display each aircraft is in sight of the public so that every participant, despite however new to the show, can perceive the spectacular and harmonic manoeuvres performed by this wing of the Italian Air Force, having as well an opportunity to enjoy the highly professional and technical profile of the entire show. The emotions coming from all Frecce Tricolori Team’s performances are reflected in enthusiasm from its fans, organised into Frecce Tricolori Fan Clubs all over the world, as much as in the presence of an always wide public at the shows.

Italy has a long history of military aerobatics, which as a group began in Campoformido, home of the 1st Wing, at the end of 1920s. Chief Commander, Col. Rino Corso Fougier was the pioneer in aerobatic group flying in Italy. He persuaded the General Staff of the former Royal Air Force that a perfect military pilot could fly most efficiently in combat only by mastering his aircraft, and knowing deeply all its features, with sensibility and control at all times. Since then, many Fighter Wings have given birth to training or demonstration teams for the most important shows in Italy and abroad. Many of us still recall names like "Cavallino Rampante" (Rampant Horse), "Getti Tonanti" (Thunder Jets), "Diavoli Rossi" (Red Devils), Tigri Bianche (White Tigers) and "Lanceri Neri" (Black Lancers), names that have become legend.

In 1961 the Air Force General Staff decided to form a unique aerobatic team with the very best available. In Rivolto, Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, under the experienced leadership of Major Mario Squarcina, the 313th Aerobatic Training Squadron "Frecce Tricolori" was established. Today a team of nine aircraft and one solo, form the most numerous aerobatic team in the world, also regarded as one of the most prestigious. Since the beginning, the Frecce Tricolori were welcomed by the generous people of the Friuli Region as part of their society. Those people still join all successful shows with pride, always offering an unconditioned support.