Giuseppe and Domenico Battagliola, respectively president and vice-president of leading Italian fresh convenience specialist La Linea Verde, are preparing to drive forward sales of their DimmidiSì-branded products by taking part in the Mille Miglia, the world-famous annual car rally.

La Linea Verde is also a premium sponsor of the race, which takes place on 16-20 March and sees a number of vintage road vehicles tackling a course spreading across half of Italy, from Brescia to Rome and back again.

The Battagliola brothers themselves will be flying the DimmidiSì flag in a 1928 Lancia Lambda, while their colleagues will focus on distributing some of the company's branded range of frappés, smoothies and juices to drivers and spectators.

DimmidiSì apparently decided to sponsor the Mille Miglia because, the company said, it shared the values of well-being, health and commitment to a healthy lifestyle, all of which are epitomised by the sporting world in general and the race itself.

'I am proud to be driving this splendid car through the streets of our beautiful city, and I will do everything I can to return it to Brescia as the winner,' said Domenico Battagliola.

His brother Giuseppe added: 'I am particularly happy that DimmidiSì is sponsoring the Mille Miglia, not only because it's a big opportunity for our products to be seen but also because it allows us to highlight, once again, the strong link between our company and sport.'