Tractor Driver of the Year is a high-level competition putting skills, technology and agricultural tyre efficiency to the test.
Trelleborg Tires Hosts 7th ‘Tractor Driver of the Year’ Competition at Cremona Circuit
Trelleborg Tires successfully concluded the 7th edition of its exclusive ‘Tractor Driver of the Year‘ competition, held on February 28th, 2026, at the Cremona Circuit in Italy.
Confirmed as one of the most anticipated events in the agricultural sector, the initiative brought together 50 tractor drivers from across Italy, ready to test their expertise and experience the performance of Trelleborg tyres in real operating conditions, both in the field and on the road. The Cremona Circuit, a renowned professional track, provided the ideal setting for a high-level competition, further strengthening the event’s role as a key industry benchmark.
Tractor Driving Challenges Showcase Trelleborg ProgressiveTraction® Technology
Participants competed in four core challenges — manoeuvring skills, loader handling, reverse driving and trailer handling — followed by a final in-field regularity test. Throughout all trials, drivers witnessed Trelleborg’s high-performing tyres firsthand, particularly ProgressiveTraction® technology, which is designed to maximise traction, reduce soil compaction, and optimise operational efficiency in any condition.
Fendt Tractors Partner with Trelleborg for Advanced Agricultural Technology
For the 2026 edition, Trelleborg Tires partnered with Fendt as the event’s technical partner. Fendt supplied the tractors used during the competition, ensuring high standards of technology, comfort and performance both in the field and on the road.
The machines featured at the event — including some of the new tractor series launched in 2025, such as the Fendt 300 Vario Gen5, Fendt 500 Vario Gen4 and Fendt 800 Vario Gen5- demonstrated how advanced agricultural technology enables operators to handle every task with maximum efficiency and ease.
Celebrating Innovation and Expertise in the “Tractor Driver of the Year” 2026
Daniela Gambatesa, Marketing Manager Italy, stated, “The ‘Tractor Driver of the Year’ once again confirms its position as a landmark event for the agricultural sector: a unique opportunity to celebrate expertise, innovation and professionalism.”
“This 7th edition saw remarkable participation from tractor drivers, highlighting the initiative’s growing importance. A key highlight of the event was the new ‘5,000 Hours of Guaranteed Performance’ campaign dedicated to ProgressiveTraction® treads, originally launched in July 2025 and now featuring a customised look for Fendt tractors equipped with VarioDrive technology.”
“This initiative allows us to prove in real working conditions the long-term durability and efficiency of our tyres, offering tangible support to agricultural professionals in their daily operations. The collaboration with Fendt as technical partner further reinforces our shared commitment to excellence, combining advanced technology with high-performing solutions for the industry.”
Silvia Uderzo, Advertising & Sales Promotion Specialist at Fendt Italia, commented, “Fendt has believed in the ‘Tractor Driver of the Year’ project since its early editions, reflecting the trust and importance we attribute to this initiative.”
“Taking part again this year represents a valuable opportunity to enhance the skills of tractor drivers and to demonstrate how the technology, performance and comfort of our machines play a decisive role in improving operational efficiency.”
”The partnership with Trelleborg Tires confirms our shared commitment to delivering increasingly high-performing and sustainable solutions to agricultural professionals, combining innovation with close attention to their real operational needs.”
After an intense and challenging day, Francesco Coppe claimed the 2026 edition title, showcasing precision, skill, and adaptability across all tests.
