Bentley Hosts Media Event at Abandoned Air Base in Sicily for Continental GT Speed Launch
With just six months of experience in public relations, I understand the complexities of organizing automotive events. However, planning a media event at an international site like an abandoned air base in Sicily, Italy, is a whole different challenge. This is precisely what Bentley accomplished during its media preview for the 2022 Bentley Continental GT Speed.
Typically, media preview events aren’t highlighted much at The Drive, as they often contain information that may not resonate with those outside the automotive media sphere. However, Bentley’s choice of location—the Comiso Air Base—near the southern coast of Sicily, was particularly noteworthy. This derelict base, abandoned since the late ’90s, paired with a functioning airport just south of its runway, provided an exciting backdrop for attendees.
Upon arriving, I initially doubted my navigation when it directed me to an approach that ended at a police booth. To my surprise, instead of turning me away, the officer waved me in toward a welcoming Bentley display.
The History of Magliocco Aerodromo
Originally known as Magliocco Aerodromo, the Comiso Air Base was constructed between 1935 and 1939. Following Italy’s alignment with the Axis Powers during World War II, the base was utilized by the German Luftwaffe from 1941, until it was bombed by Allied forces in 1943.
After the Allies took control on July 11, 1943, they repaired the runway and utilized it under the USAAF Twelfth Air Force, serving various squadrons until the war’s conclusion. Post-war, the aerodrome fell into disrepair until a 1954 runway extension allowed Alitalia to operate commercial flights there.
In 1981, the base became a significant operations center for the BGM-109G Ground Launched Cruise Missile, pivotal for NATO during the Cold War. Following substantial renovations, Comiso Air Station was established in 1983 and continued operations until its closure in 1991, after which it saw little use, except for a brief stint as a temporary haven for Kosovo refugees during the Yugoslav Wars.
Bentley’s Ingenious Utilization of Abandoned Space
The Bentley team, after being guided to the site by a local scout, organized a media event that marked the first automotive activity at the base since its abandonment. "The local mayor was certainly excited,” said Wayne Bruce, Bentley’s director of communications. However, preparing the area for the event posed significant challenges.
"It was so overgrown that we couldn’t actually drive on a lot of it,” noted Mike Sayer, Bentley’s head of product communications. The team meticulously evaluated the site both by car and on foot to identify safe driving routes.
They crafted the course to showcase various aspects of the GT Speed—balancing elements like straightaways for testing power and brakes, curves for testing chassis dynamics, and sections for drifting. The design ensured that vehicles on the course would never cross paths, enhancing safety.
Vegetation was cleared from the roads, while care was taken not to disrupt the encroaching nature reclaiming the base. Safety precautions included addressing hazardous open manholes and constructing ramps to connect course segments.
Remarkably, the route even traversed an old fire station that had remained untouched for decades. The preparation was extensive, from creating sanitary operating areas to ensuring the site was secure for all drivers.
Overcoming Obstacles
One of the hurdles the Bentley team encountered was dealing with a bunker. The plan had been to drive through a bunker left with one of its blast doors open, but after learning about the significant challenges involved in operating the sturdy door—which weighed 50 tons—the idea was ultimately deemed too complex.
Despite this setback, creating a safe and enjoyable course for driving at the reclaimed base allowed attendees to relish a unique experience. The surroundings, adorned with plant life and rusting structures, had an otherworldly feel, as if time had stood still since the last occupants left.
Although it’s uncertain what the future holds for Comiso Air Base, its potential history and unique characteristics suggest it could be an appealing destination for tours or even motorsport events.
Conclusion
The Bentley media event at Comiso Air Base not only showcased the company’s latest vehicle but also brought new life to a forgotten piece of history. To witness this remarkable course in action, check out the accompanying POV lap video, and don’t miss our review of the 2022 Bentley Continental GT Speed if you haven’t read it yet.
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