Chesterfield driver Yates storms to a sensational third place in famous Italian rally

Derbyshire historic motorsport competitor John Yates delivered an outstanding performance at the 2026 Modena Cento Ore in Italy, securing an incredible third overall against a world-class international field and finishing less than 25 seconds away from second place.

Returning to the prestigious Italian event after finishing fifth overall and third in class on his debut in 2024, Yates went two places better this time around, demonstrating his pace and consistency against some of the world’s leading historic motorsport competitors.

Driving his RHAMES-backed 1975 Porsche 911 Carrera RSR 3.0, with co-driver Alex Lee alongside, Yates secured a remarkable overall podium finish in one of the most challenging events on the international historic motorsport calendar.

The Chesterfield-based pairing finished behind German duo Florian Feustel and Katrin Becker in a Porsche 911, who claimed victory, and Belgian pairing Glenn Janssens and Conrad Janssens, whose Ferrari 308 GTB Michelotto secured second place. With fewer than 25 seconds separating Yates from the runners-up, the result highlighted just how competitive the fight had been throughout the five-day event.

The Modena Cento Ore is renowned for its unique combination of competitive circuit racing and timed special stages on closed public roads, bringing together exceptional historic machinery and experienced drivers from across the globe.

The 2026 edition took competitors on a spectacular journey across Italy, beginning in Riccione on the Adriatic coast before travelling through Tuscany and finishing in Modena, the heart of the country’s celebrated Motor Valley.

Across four days of competition, crews faced a demanding combination of closed-road special stages and circuit races at three of Italy’s most iconic motorsport venues: Misano World Circuit, Autodromo di Imola Enzo e Dino Ferrari and the legendary Mugello Circuit.

The route also showcased some of the country’s most spectacular scenery, winding through historic towns, mountain passes and the Tuscan countryside before the final arrival and awards ceremony in Modena on Saturday 10 October.

It is a format that demands far more than outright speed. Competitors must balance commitment with consistency, adapting to constantly changing challenges while preserving their cars across a gruelling schedule of road and circuit competition.

For Yates, the result represents a significant step forward from his previous appearance and a rewarding return to an event that attracts some of the most accomplished names in international historic motorsport.

“Coming back to the Modena Cento Ore and finishing third overall is an incredible feeling,” said Yates. “To be competing against such a talented international field in an event of this calibre is something special, and to come so close to second place makes the result even more satisfying.

“The Porsche performed brilliantly, and having Alex alongside me again made it a fantastic experience. The Modena Cento Ore is a proper challenge, combining some amazing roads with legendary circuits, and you have to be consistent from start to finish.

“We were immensely proud of our result in 2024, but to return this time and secure third overall is something the whole team can be proud of. It has been a memorable few days in Italy, and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome.”

With a sensational third-place finish secured, Yates and Lee return from Italy with one of their most impressive international results to date, having taken their Porsche 911 Carrera RSR 3.0 to the sharp end of a fiercely competitive field.