Corrado Pinzano and Mauro Turati have clinched the 2024 Italian Rally Trophy title, driving their Volkswagen Polo to glory. Their triumph came after a dramatic turn of events at the Rally Città di Bassano, where Giuseppe Testa was handed a 10-point penalty following his exclusion for technical irregularities. With a solid second-place finish in Veneto, Pinzano and Turati secured the championship with one round to spare.
A Season of Intense Battles
The 2024 Italian Rally Trophy has been a rollercoaster season, featuring six different event winners, fierce battles fought to the edge of seconds, and seven rounds across Italy. From the sun-drenched roads of the Rally del Salento to the snow-covered slopes of Rally della Marca, the championship delivered non-stop excitement.
However, it was at the Rally Città di Bassano – the penultimate round – that Pinzano sealed the deal. His performance, combined with Testa’s penalty, mathematically guaranteed the championship win. With 81 points in hand, Pinzano’s lead is now unassailable, as Testa cannot discard his Bassano result under the rules, which take only the top six results from the eight-race season.
The final event, the Trofeo Villa d’Este ACI Como, will still hold significance for many competitors, as it will decide the remaining ACI Sport Cups. However, for Pinzano, the pressure has lifted, and the championship crown is already his.
A Hard-Fought Journey to the Title
Pinzano’s journey to the title has been anything but smooth. His season was marked by setbacks, including a double puncture at the Rally del Salento, retirement at Rally Lana – his home event – and another costly puncture at Piancavallo. Yet, through perseverance and determination, the driver from Biella managed to accumulate crucial points.
A defining moment came with his victory at the Rally della Marca early in the season, where his skill on treacherous, slippery roads made the difference. His consistency shone through with four second-place finishes, despite the challenges thrown his way.
At the Rally Città di Bassano, Pinzano’s second-place result was a testament to his determination. With three fastest stage times on the demanding “Valstagna” stage – referred to as the “university of rallies” – he defended his position, securing the championship despite a strong performance from rival Signor.
“This Title is Proof That You Should Never Give Up”
Reflecting on his achievement, Pinzano said, “This title is proof that you should never give up. We weren’t even supposed to race in Bassano, but I’m glad we did. I would have liked to settle the score at Como, but it has been a tough battle all year, with races decided by mere tenths of a second. It’s a testament to the high level both Testa and I reached this season, and I congratulate him on a great campaign.”
Pinzano continued, “Looking back, whenever we avoided issues like punctures, we showed our speed and fought at the front. This title is not just an immense satisfaction for me – it’s also a credit to the dedication and hard work of our entire team.”
A Career of Resilience and Success
Born in Biella in 1985, Pinzano has steadily built a reputation as one of Italy’s top rally drivers. His breakthrough came in 2019, when he won the National Final of the Coppa Rally di Zona and made his debut in the CI WRC. In 2022, he fought for the CIR Asphalt title until the final event, and in 2023, he claimed victory at the Trofeo Villa d’Este ACI Como, finishing fourth in the championship standings.
In 2024, Pinzano shifted his focus entirely to the Italian Rally Trophy, opting for the Volkswagen Polo prepared by PA Racing. Despite the season’s difficulties, his persistence paid off, culminating in a well-deserved championship title.
Final Showdown Awaits in Como
Although the championship is decided, the season will officially wrap up at the Trofeo Villa d’Este ACI Como, where the remaining ACI Sport Cups will be contested. For Pinzano, the event will serve as a celebratory finale to a hard-fought campaign.
With his name now etched in Italian rallying history, Pinzano and Turati’s triumph in the 2024 Italian Rally Trophy is a testament to resilience, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence.