Frugarolo: a quiet village with just over a thousand inhabitants in the Alessandria plain. Hardly anyone knows it apart from the locals; for me it was my parents’ home, the quiet retreat at weekends to escape the stress of the big city.

Today I live in Frugarolo with my family and, in order to integrate better, I went in search of its history and curiosities. One in particular struck me. Few people know that in this locality a truly extraordinary woman was born, she wrote a unique chapter in the history of Formula 1.

She is Lella Lombardi, who passed away far too early at the age of just 50, and left a tangible sign of her strength and tenacity in a male-dominated and macho world of clichés and prejudices.

This space is dedicated to her, her courage and her passion.

Giovanni Frera

This project would not have happened without the concrete help of Maria Elisa, Patrizia, Mariella, Roberta, Giusy, Barbara, Marco, Pasquale, Arturo, Tino and Jason. And also thanks to those who wrote, drew, provided contacts and suggested content.

I really thank everyone for the great support.