1990 Winner Paddy Hopkirk to join driversFifty cars from all over the world are due to set off on the famous 2,300 KM Classic Marathon rally on Sunday with Pirelli sponsoring the famous event 25 years after it first did so in in 1988.The rally, which starts from Grote Markt, in Ypres, Belgium at 08.30 hours on Sunday morning, has attracted entrants from as far afield as Argentina as well as Ireland, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, and the Netherlands.History is repeating itself, said Tomas de Vargas Machuca, the joint Managing Director of HERO, and The Historic Endurance Rallying Organisation. He added: Twenty five years ago the Classic Marathon was the first event of its kind ever to be held, it was sponsored by Pirelli and we are delighted that they have become a sponsor once again and Pirellis Ludovic Colman will flag off the event. Paddy Hopkirk, the winner of the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally and the 1990 Classic Marathon will join us at the finish in Cortina d Ampezzo in Italy.  EMO 6, the Mini Cooper S which Hopkirk used to win the Classic Marathon, will be used on the event.He added:We are  delighted that there are a number of former Marathon winners competing in the 25th edition of the rally, including Henry Pearman (1989), Jayne Wignall (2006) Mark and Sue Godfrey (1010 and 2011) and Howard and Matt Warren (2012).The Pirelli Classic Marathon, is a qualifying round of the 2013 HERO Cup in association with EFG International. The rally is now run every other year by the Classic Rallying Association, which is an operating division of HERO.Paul Hembery, Global Head of Motorsport at Pirelli said: The Classic Marathon is one of the most famous classic car events held anywhere in the world and it gives us great pleasure to be supporting the event once again.Tomas de Vargas Machuca added: We are delighted to see the return of Pirelli to classic rallying. It brings the necessary prestige to this important event and offers competitors and spectators the opportunity to associate Pirelli to classic car tyres. Its heritage in rallying is amongst the most important in the world.Jeremy Dickson the CRAs event Director said:We are delighted to see so many crews from the initial events come and join us for this celebration of 25 years of classic rallying.Borgo Scopeto and Caparzo wineries, one of Tuscanys most notable wine producers, will also support the Rally.

The Pirelli Classic Marathon will visit Belgium, Luxembourg, France, and Switzerland and will finish in Italy with an awards dinner at the exclusive Sci Club 18, one of Italys most important ski clubs.About H.E.R.OThe Historic Endurance Rallying Organisation (H.E.R.O.) is a classic car club recognised by the Royal Automobile Club Motor Sports Association (the MSA - the official governing body for motor sport in the UK, affiliated to the FIA) and, through its membership of the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs, is affiliated to FIVA - the Fdration Internationale des Vhicules Anciens. A classic car endurance rallying club that dates over eighteen years, HERO has organized more than 90 events (trials and tours) especially for classic cars. HERO also offers a wide range of services such as the Arrive & Drive classic/rally car hire program, corporate and bespoke event planning and organisation, storage and transport logistic, a Premier Membership that offers discounts throughout its network of Partners; making it a truly integrated one stop shop platform.