HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam—May 26, 2021

Pirelli donated an exclusive full-size replica Formula 1 (F1®) tire with the Italian flag on the side signed by all 21 members of the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli sailing team that was valued at around $3,500 USD. Team Director, Max Sirena, and the two helmsmen Francesco Bruni and James “Jimmy” Spithill—who is the most winning Helmsman off all-time in America’s Cup history signed the tire.

Known as a leading tire producer and Global Tire Partner to the FIA Formula One World Championship™, Pirelli generously donated this one-of-a-kind collector’s item for the silent auction, with proceeds directly supporting AIP Foundation, a nonprofit organization delivering life-saving road crash interventions in developing nations across Asia.

The auction garnered international attention, with bidders across continents showing their support for Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Sailing Team, Formula 1, and AIP Foundation’s mission.
The winning bid was submitted by a racing fan from Italy, near Milan, who was moved to bid for the Formula 1 tire out of love for family.

The winner shared, “When I first heard about the auction, my thoughts immediately went to my big brother, who lives in a different country. I haven’t seen him since December 2019 due to the pandemic. Sports have always been a point of connection between us, and in the past few years, our common passion for the F1 world helped us keep in touch and strengthen our bond no matter the distance. The same happened with Luna Rossa; during America’s Cup race, he opened my eyes to something I hadn’t known at all, teaching me everything about this amazing world [of sailing] and making me fall in love with it.

I thought the F1, signed by the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli sailing team, could be the perfect gift to represent our brotherly bond. Plus, the fact that the auction was in favor of AIP Foundation gave me the right motivation to get this amazing item. It has really been a pleasure!”.

All proceeds went to AIP Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to decreasing road crash casualties in low- and middle-income countries by providing safety interventions to road users. AIP Foundation is a longtime partner of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), governing body of Formula 1 racing, and the FIA Foundation, supporting road safety initiatives globally.

This initiative marked AIP Foundation’s first collaboration with Pirelli and with the international sailing community. AIP Foundation is excited to connect with a new community with a shared passion for sport, mobility, and civic engagement.

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