Tractor driver of the year, the 2026 event was a success
Precision, agility, ability and speed in adapting to different working conditions in the field are the skills that allowed Francesco Coppe to win the "Tractor Driver of the Year" contest, now in its seventh edition. Held on February 28th at the professional circuit in Cremona, the competition sponsored by Trelleborg Tires saw 50 tractor drivers from all over Italy compete in three main challenges – maneuvering, lifting, and reversing and maneuvering a trailer – and a final, which involved completing an off-road course in a maximum time of three minutes. For the contest trials, the event's technical partner – Fendt – made some of its new generation tractors such as the Fendt 300, Vario Gen5, the Fendt 500 Vario Gen4 and the 800 Vario Gen5 models available. These vehicles are equipped with cutting-edge systems and technical solutions that supported the tractor drivers in each of the four tests. Of particular interest was the contribution made by Trelleborg tires which, thanks to ProgressiveTraction technology designed to maximize traction, reduce soil compaction and optimize operating efficiency in all working conditions, further enhanced the performance of the tractors in the race. "The seventh edition of the contest saw a record number of tractor drivers participate. This initiative allows us to demonstrate the durability, reliability and efficiency of our tires in the field, providing concrete support to agricultural operators in their daily activities", commented Daniela Gambatesa, Marketing Manager Italy of Yokohama TWS (company part of the Japanese group, owner of the Trelleborg Tires brand). "Fendt has believed in the 'Tractor Driver of the Year' project right from the beginning, a testament to the trust and importance we place in this initiative. Participating again this year," concluded Silvia Uderzo, Advertising & Sales Promotion Specialist at Fendt Italia, "was a unique opportunity to showcase the skills of tractor drivers and demonstrate how the technology, reliability, and comfort of our vehicles are crucial to improving operational efficiency".
