It was ambassador and consultant for Zenith Watches, former Formula One driver Erik Comas — and 2015 Italian historic rally champion at the wheel of his Zenith-sponsored Lancia Stratos — who had the idea to create a meet to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Stratos victory at the 1976 world rally championship.

In recognition of the global status of the legendary Stratos, which continues to fascinate generations too young to remember its heyday, Zenith Watches decided to organise the El Primero World Stratos Meeting in Biella.

This Piedmont town is known as the Stratos capital, with Biellesi test driver Claudio Maglioli creating his workshop here in 1977 to continue the development of this rally queen after the official Lancia team withdrew from competition.

It was then that the French team Chardonnet, the Lancia importer and their driver Bernard Darniche won the greatest successes in the Lancia Stratos' career.

The Zenith El Primero World Stratos Meeting took place in Biella on the 24th, 25th and 26th June 2016.