Christian Merli racing the Osella 4C Turbo in Sardinia

The 61st edition of the Alghero Scala Piccada in Sardinia on Sunday marks the start of the 2023 Italian hill climb championship CIVM. Reigning European hill climb champion Christian Merli will be lining up with the new Osella 4C with its 1170 cc turbocharged engine and central steering wheel. The Scuderia Vimotorsport driver is working on further developing the 2 litre E2-SC car after finishing an overall second at the Trofeo Coppa della Consuma in Tuscany recently.

The interview
“We’re working on improving the performance of the new Osella while we’re waiting for the start of the European hill climb championship. I won in Sardinia in 2010 with the Picchio, and then returned ten years later with the Osella FA 30. The track begins with a straight followed by a left-hand hairpin, then a technical section, a fast stretch and a series of medium-fast double bends. Finally a large left-hand bend and the finish line. We’re continuing our development work on the two-seater and taking part in the first round of the CIVM. On the 5.100 km track there will be two practice runs on Saturday and two separate race runs on Sunday.”

The turbocharged engine
“It is a Peugeot 1170 cc turbo engine with about 400 hp.”

Translation by Ruth Scheithauer