The 43rd edition of the Rally Trofeo Villa d’Este – ACI Como is set to bring the excitement of rally racing back to the roads of the Lariano Triangle, Intelvi Valley, and Val Cavargna on 12th and 13th October 2024. With a mix of established traditions and exciting new elements, this year’s rally will be a highlight for competitors and fans alike. The event, which serves as a crucial round for the Italian Rally Trophy, Rally Cup Zone 3, and Lombardia Rally Cup, will feature 75 registered crews, with the registration deadline now extended to Saturday, 5th October.
The prestigious event, hosted by Automobile Club Como, will unfold over eight special stages, covering 93.8 km of competitive racing within a total course length of 375 km. The rally kicks off on Saturday, 12th October, with a ceremonial start in Erba at 6:00 pm, before wrapping up on Sunday, 13th October, at 4:30 pm in Como’s central Piazza Cavour.
High Stakes and Competitive Spirit
This year’s Rally Trofeo Villa d’Este promises a weekend of fierce competition, with threefold validity. It serves as the penultimate round of the Italian Rally Trophy (with a coefficient of 1.5), the final qualifying round of the Coppa Rally Zona 3 (with a coefficient of 1.75), and the finale of the Lombardia Rally Cup (coefficient 1.5). The stakes are high as this rally will determine the finalists for the Coppa Italia, set to take place in Genoa on 8th and 9th November 2024.
Speaking at the event’s presentation, held in the elegant Sala Regina of the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este in Cernobbio, Enrico Gelpi, President of the Automobile Club Como, outlined the event’s significance and expectations for 2024. He was joined by notable figures including Villa d’Este Group’s Financial Director Matteo Cristina, Lombardy’s Regional Councillor Alessandro Fermi, the Mayor of Como Alessandro Rapinese, and several representatives from local municipalities and safety authorities.
The event will be managed by the highly experienced Race Director Simone Bettati, who will oversee the technical and safety details to ensure smooth running and maximum safety throughout the event. With 161 marshals on duty Saturday and 168 on Sunday, plus extensive support from medical and fire teams, safety remains a top priority for the organizing committee.
A Rally Village and a Packed Program
The rally village opens on Thursday, 10th October, at LarioFiere in Erba, with roadbook distribution and crew checks. Reconnaissance is scheduled for Friday, 11th October, followed by a shakedown session on Saturday morning in the Municipality of Barni, giving drivers a chance to fine-tune their setups ahead of the competition.
The rally’s first stage on Saturday evening will feature two iconic special stages – Piani del Tivano and Bellagio – run twice. These challenging tests through the Lariano Triangle will push crews to their limits, starting at 6:38 pm and continuing under the stars for a thrilling night of racing. The cars will then regroup at LarioFiere before being placed in a closed park overnight.
On Sunday, the second and decisive leg of the rally takes the competitors through the scenic Valle d’Intelvi and Val Cavargna. Special stages such as Alpe Grande and Val Cavargna will be run in the morning and repeated in the afternoon. The rally will culminate with a grand finale in Piazza Cavour, Como, where the winning crews will be celebrated.
Community Engagement and the Prestigious Villa d’Este Trophy
The Rally Trofeo Villa d’Este is not just about the competition on the stages. It also plays a crucial role in promoting the region’s heritage and fostering strong community ties. One of the standout aspects of the event is the Villa d’Este Trophy, a special prize awarded to the municipality paired with the winning crew of the rally. This tradition has strengthened collaboration between ACI Como and the 18 municipalities involved, enhancing the event’s local impact and significance.
This year’s Villa d’Este Trophy is set to be a closely contested affair, with top drivers from across Italy and Europe battling for glory. Each municipality will cheer on their paired crew, making the competition even more intense and personal.
Charitable Initiatives and Environmental Sustainability
The rally will also continue its tradition of supporting local charities and promoting sustainability. The 14th edition of the Trofeo delle Merende kicks off with the “Cena delle Merende” charity dinner on Friday, 4th October, with proceeds going to organisations such as “Le Coccole di Kira,” “La Collina degli Elfi,” and “Sportabili.” The rally will also host the “Green Tires” initiative, aimed at minimizing the environmental impact of the event. In collaboration with Confartigianato di Cuneo, the Consorzio dell’Asti Doc, and Proglio Automobili, 75 truffle trees will be donated to the local community, bringing the total number of trees planted over the years to 320.
Championship Showdowns and Final Deciders
With several championship titles still up for grabs, the Rally Trofeo Villa d’Este – ACI Como will be a decisive round for many crews. The Italian Rally Trophy (TIR), Coppa Rally Zona 3, and Lombardia Rally Cup will see some of the most competitive drivers and teams fighting for top positions. In the TIR standings, Corrado Pinzano has already secured the title with 81 points, but there’s still plenty to play for as competitors like Giuseppe Testa, Simone Miele, and Luca Pedersoli look to end the season on a high.
The Lombardia Rally Cup has also seen intense battles throughout the year. With the final classification determined by the best results from six races, the Como round will be crucial for drivers like Moreno Cambiaghi, Andrea Crugnola, and Giulia Paganoni, who are all in contention for the title.
The 43rd Rally Trofeo Villa d’Este – ACI Como promises a weekend of spectacular racing, thrilling battles, and a celebration of rallying heritage in one of Italy’s most picturesque regions.