Rallylegend 2024 is shaping up to be a rally fan’s dream, with a host of spectacular tributes and star-studded appearances. One of the biggest highlights of this year’s event, running from 10-13 October in San Marino, will be the 50th anniversary celebration of the legendary Lancia Stratos’ first World Rally Championship (WRC) title. The event promises an unmissable mix of iconic cars, rallying greats, and thrilling action on the stages.
Stratos 50th Anniversary: Honoring a Rally Icon
Fifty years ago, the Lancia Stratos burst onto the scene and dominated the World Rally Championship, clinching its first of three consecutive Constructors’ titles in 1974. This feat not only established Lancia as a powerhouse in rallying but also cemented the Stratos as a car that would forever be remembered for its stunning design, groundbreaking technology, and rallying prowess.
At Rallylegend 2024, this milestone will be celebrated in grand fashion with a large gathering of original Lancia Stratos cars, both static and dynamic, taking center stage throughout the weekend. Fans will be treated to rare opportunities to see these iconic machines up close, with numerous events dedicated to the Stratos.
On Thursday, October 10, the Stratos cars will be on display in the Rally Village, with the action heating up at 8 PM when they hit the track for the Sprint Legend Race. Friday, October 11, will see the cars take to the San Marino stage (PS3), before being showcased in the historic center of San Marino during the “Drivers’ Dinner.” The celebrations continue on Saturday and Sunday, when the Stratos cars will be on display from 9 AM. At 12 PM on Saturday and 10 AM on Sunday, the unmistakable roar of the Stratos will echo across The Legend stage, reminding everyone why this car is still revered as one of the greatest in rally history.
Legendary Guests at LegenDakar: Jacky Ickx, Ari Vatanen, and Jutta Kleinschmidt
The excitement doesn’t stop with the Stratos celebration. Rallylegend 2024 will also feature some of the biggest names in motorsport, who have left their mark on the legendary Dakar Rally. The LegenDakar event will bring rally raid legends to San Marino, offering fans a chance to see and hear from the greats themselves.
Motorsport icon Jacky Ickx will be making a special appearance. Known for his eight Formula 1 wins and six victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Ickx also made history by winning the 1983 Dakar Rally in a Mercedes 280 GE. He’ll be behind the wheel of a Porsche 953 at Rallylegend, adding a dash of Dakar magic to the event.
Joining Ickx will be Ari Vatanen, the 1981 WRC champion and four-time Dakar winner, whose thrilling 1989 duel with Ickx is the stuff of rallying legend. Fans can expect to hear firsthand stories of their rivalry during special talk shows throughout the weekend.
Also making waves at Rallylegend will be Jutta Kleinschmidt, who made history as the first – and only – woman to win the Dakar Rally, claiming victory in 2001 behind the wheel of a Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution. Kleinschmidt will be driving an iconic Dakar vehicle during the event, offering a rare opportunity for fans to see her in action once again.
A Weekend Packed with Action and Nostalgia
As always, Rallylegend 2024 promises four days of non-stop excitement, blending the best of rallying’s past and present. In addition to the 40th Stig Blomqvist Tribute, honoring his 1984 WRC title in an Audi Quattro, fans will witness an incredible gathering of cars and champions from across the decades. The event kicks off with the Sprint Legend Race on Thursday evening, followed by three in-line stages on Friday night and a full day of competition on Saturday. Sunday wraps things up with more stage action and a final tribute to rally legends on The Legend stage.
For fans of rallying, Rallylegend 2024 is shaping up to be an unforgettable experience, combining legendary cars, drivers, and moments into one spectacular event.
