The legendary Rallye Sanremo will deliver a spectacular finale to the 2024 Italian Rally Championship (CIAR) Sparco season on 18-19 October, promising top-tier competition, drama, and celebrations in the City of Flowers. With the Overall title already sealed by Andrea Crugnola/Pietro Elia Ometto, attention now shifts to the tight battles still to be resolved – namely the Junior, Two-Wheel Drive, and R1 categories. Alongside these championships, the Toyota GR Yaris and Suzuki Rally Cups will also crown their champions, wrapping up an exhilarating season on the renowned asphalt roads of Sanremo.
The stage is set for an epic showdown
Organised by the Automobile Club Ponente Ligure, the 71st edition of Rallye Sanremo features 113 competitors across modern cars, with additional entries in historic rally and regularity races, bringing the total to around 250 vehicles. Rallye Sanremo will also host the fourth and final round of the 2nd Zone Rally Cup.
This year’s route covers 496.24 km, including 10 asphalt special stages totaling 116.24 km of timed racing. Headquarters, service parks, and ceremonies will take place in Sanremo, with key events happening at the Vecchia Stazione and Corso Imperatrice, under the shadow of the historic Casino. Engines will roar to life on Friday, October 18, with free practice and qualification sessions kicking off at 10:00. The first competitive stage, ‘Montalto-Molini,’ follows at 15:43, awarding bonus points to the top three drivers.
Day One concludes with three more stages, including the night run on the iconic ‘Ghimbegna-San Romolo’ section. Saturday’s racing will be decisive, with two runs on three different stages: the ‘Montalto-Molini,’ the demanding 21.02 km ‘Carpasio-Rezzo,’ and ‘Calderara-Testico.’ The final podium celebrations are scheduled for 16:40 at Corso Imperatrice.
All eyes on the battle for second place
While Crugnola and Ometto have already claimed their fourth title driving a Citroën C3 Rally2, the fight for second place in the championship remains intense. Simone Campedelli/Tania Canton, piloting a Skoda Fabia RS, lead Giandomenico Basso/Lorenzo Granai by a narrow margin. Basso, driving a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, aims to build on his previous Sanremo successes, including four wins and seven podium finishes.
The field also includes standout names like Marco Signor/Daniele Michi, newly crowned Promotion champions, alongside Slovenian ace Bostjan Avbelj, who returns after securing second place in the Promotion category. Multiple-time Sanremo winner Paolo Andreucci, holding the record with six victories, will also compete, teaming up with Rudy Briani on a Skoda RS.
Rising talents Andrea Mabellini/Virginia Lenzi arrive fresh off a European Rally Championship victory in Poland, while Roberto Daprà from ACI Team Italia makes his Sanremo debut in a Skoda RS.
Women’s Cup title on the line
The Women’s Cup competition will be one of the highlights of the rally, featuring three highly competitive duos. Current leaders Rachele Somaschini/Giulia Zanchetta (Citroën C3) are poised to clinch the title with a second-place finish. However, rivals Arianna Doriguzzi/Elena Sica, along with Sara Carra/Federica Mauri, must go all out to secure victory on the challenging Sanremo tarmac.
Junior Championship: Doretto defends, Dei Ceci attacks
In the Junior Championship, Matteo Doretto leads the standings with 81 points, needing only a podium finish to secure the title. His closest rival, Francesco Dei Ceci, will aim for nothing less than a win to snatch the championship. Other challengers include Marco Zanin, who still holds a slim chance of winning, and a talented field of Juniors eager to make their mark.
Two-Wheel Drive title up for grabs
The Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) category mirrors the Junior Championship’s intensity, with three crews still in contention. Gianandrea Pisani/Massimo Moriconi are well-positioned to claim the title, needing only a podium finish. However, current leaders Giorgio Cogni/Simone Brachi, along with Christopher Lucchesi/Enrico Bracchi, will push hard for victory to seal their fate.
R1 and Suzuki Rally Cup: High-stakes finale
The R1 Championship sees young talent Sebastian Dallapiccola on the brink of victory, requiring just four more points to secure the title. Meanwhile, the Suzuki Rally Cup will be decided in Sanremo, with Giorgio Fichera leading a close battle against Dallapiccola and Roberto Pellé, all driving Swift Hybrids.
GR Yaris Rally Cup: Toyota’s finale
Sanremo will also host the final round of the GR Yaris Rally Cup, featuring seven crews. Cup winner Thomas Paperini, alongside co-driver Andrea Gabelloni, will aim to finish the season on a high note, with tough competition from rivals such as Mattia Vita and local favourite Fabrizio Andolfi.
Local heroes and regional talent
Sanremo native Francesco Aragno, paired with Giancarla Guzzi, will compete on a Skoda Evo, using the event to prepare for the upcoming Coppa Italia Final in Liguria. Meanwhile, experienced drivers from the Liguria and Piedmont zones, including Elwis Chentre and young talent Federico Gangi, hope to qualify for the Rally Lanterna on November 9-10.
A fitting finale to a thrilling season
The 71st Rallye Sanremo promises high-stakes competition, celebrating the best of Italian rallying on iconic roads steeped in history. With multiple championships still undecided, from the Junior to the Two-Wheel Drive categories, and a rich lineup of stars vying for glory, this event will be a fitting conclusion to the 2024 CIAR Sparco season. Let the engines roar – Sanremo awaits!