The 40th edition of Rally della Lanterna, scheduled for November 9-10, 2024, is shaping up to be an unforgettable spectacle with a record 180 crews signed up for the Coppa Italia Rally National Final. Returning to its roots in Genoa’s city center, this anniversary edition celebrates tradition while introducing fan-friendly updates, creating an exciting atmosphere for drivers and spectators alike.
For the first time in years, the historic Piazza della Vittoria will host the start and finish of the event. Rally fans can look forward to an electrifying display set against the iconic Arco dei Caduti, where a large screen will broadcast live coverage, ensuring spectators have a front-row experience of all the rally’s thrilling stages. As Marco Gallo, head of ASD Lanternarally, proudly noted, “Returning to Genoa is a fundamental step for us in the relaunch of the Rally della Lanterna. Hosting the Coppa Italia Rally Final in this iconic location fills us with pride. We’ve made a massive logistical effort to accommodate such a large field, and now everything is in place—we can’t wait to get started!”
The service park will be strategically located in Piazzale Atleti Azzurri d’Italia, in front of the Luigi Ferraris Stadium, while the Automobile Club of Genoa will house the race management and media operations, demonstrating its longstanding support for the rally. This year’s event holds special significance, coinciding with Genoa’s designation as the 2024 European Capital of Sport. The Municipality of Genoa, the Metropolitan City, and the Liguria Region have all extended crucial support, highlighting the rally’s importance within Italy’s sporting calendar.
A star-studded lineup promises high-stakes action
This year’s roster of competitors includes 28 top-tier Rally2/R5 cars, led by Corrado Pinzano from Biella, who will be driving a Volkswagen Polo. Pinzano, fresh from his Italian Rally Trophy win and runner-up finish in zone 4, will wear the coveted number one. Alongside him, Italian rally heavyweights like Scattolon, Rusce, Chentre, Pollara, Aragno, Bottoni, Miele, “Dedo,” Carmellino, and others will be battling for glory. French competitor Puppo, known for his speed on Italian roads, as well as local favorites Giacobone and Biggi, add to the anticipation.
While the Rally2/R5 class promises elite excitement, fans can expect fierce competition across all classes. The nearly 90 kilometers of special stages will test the crews on the challenging Ligurian Apennine asphalt, with each twist and turn offering the potential to reshape the leaderboard. The grand finale and awards ceremony will take place back in Piazza della Vittoria, where the winning teams will be celebrated in front of a passionate Genoese crowd.
A full weekend of motorsport excitement
Piazza della Vittoria and the Luigi Ferraris Stadium area will be buzzing all weekend as Genoa transforms into a hub for motorsport enthusiasts. Rally cars will be back in the city center, allowing fans to get up close and personal with the vehicles. Those who aren’t able to travel to the backroads can still enjoy the action, thanks to a giant screen set up by the start and finish line, streaming live images from the stages.
Teams will start arriving in Genoa at the start of the week, with official activities beginning on Thursday, November 7. Road books will be distributed, and route reconnaissance will take place on Thursday and Friday, allowing teams to familiarize themselves with the challenging course. Saturday will kick off with a shakedown at 8:00 a.m., followed by the official race start at 3:30 p.m., with two stages on the agenda for the afternoon. The intensity builds on Sunday with six additional stages, culminating in a highly anticipated finish in Piazza della Vittoria at 4:50 p.m.
With a blend of historic charm, a high-caliber lineup, and new spectator-friendly features, the 40th Rally della Lanterna is set to be an unforgettable weekend of motorsport, cementing its place as one of Italy’s premier rally events.
