As the Italian Gravel Rally Championship (CIRT) heads into its grand finale at the Rally delle Marche on November 16-17, Alberto Battistolli finds himself on the cusp of glory. Fresh off a thrilling photo-finish victory at the Rally dei Nuraghi e del Vermentino, Battistolli, partnered with Simone Scattolin in their Škoda Fabia RS, now holds his championship fate in his own hands. Whoever finishes ahead between him and rival Tommaso Ciuffi will be crowned champion, setting up an all-or-nothing gravel showdown.
A comeback to remember in Sardinia
The path to the finale was anything but smooth. In Sardinia, Battistolli’s fortunes turned dramatically in a single stage, recovering a 10.5-second gap to Ciuffi and clinching the win by just half a second. That blink-of-an-eye victory gave Battistolli not only a coveted season win but also a direct shot at the title in Marche.
“I have to give credit for this comeback to Simone,” Battistolli shared. “At the start, I didn’t believe winning was possible, but he pushed me to perform at my best. Ciuffi lost some seconds, and managing that advantage is tough, especially in long races where one small mistake can cost everything. It was a surprise comeback, but it has set us up for a thrilling finale.”
From doubt to championship contender
Battistolli’s 2024 season began as a gamble, stepping into a new technical setup and chasing his first Italian title. Three podium finishes later, he’s in a position he didn’t foresee at the start of the year.
“After the first race, I wouldn’t have bet on myself even a cent,” Battistolli admitted. “There was so much to learn in such a short time. But having a partner who believes in me and has invested in my journey made all the difference. Now, we’re here, fighting for an Italian Championship.”
With each podium finish building his momentum, the once-doubtful contender is now brimming with determination. His strategy has shifted too—no more holding back, no more playing it safe. In Marche, Battistolli will go all-in.
“Up until now, I’d always kept something in reserve to avoid throwing away results. But in Marche, it’s all or nothing. Whoever finishes ahead wins everything. It’ll be a raw, intense battle, and we’re ready to give it our all.”
Fueled by confidence and a desire for redemption
The last-gasp win in Sardinia has reshaped Battistolli’s approach to the finale. It’s given him the confidence to push harder than ever, knowing he’s already proven his capability under intense pressure.
“This win changed everything. It’s not just about the championship; it’s about proving to myself that I can fight and succeed at this level. I felt discouraged before, but now I’m heading to Marche more determined than ever to claim a title I’ve worked so hard for, sacrificing both personally and professionally.”
A championship battle for the ages
The 2024 Italian Gravel Rally Championship season has delivered edge-of-the-seat drama, with high-caliber drivers like Heikkilä, Scandola, Oldrati, and others joining Battistolli and Ciuffi in a fiercely competitive lineup. Once seen as a niche series, the Italian Gravel Rally Championship (CIRT) has flourished into one of the most exciting rally series in Italy.
“People used to say gravel was fading, that it was losing its edge,” Battistolli reflected. “But this year has been proof of the opposite. With drivers like Heikkilä, Scandola, Ciuffi, Oldrati, and myself, we’ve shown just how intense and high-level the CIRT can be. We Italians can be proud of how we’ve defended our flag and elevated this championship.”
As the championship showdown looms, Battistolli heads into the Rally delle Marche ready to seize the opportunity of a lifetime. With everything on the line, rally fans can expect an unforgettable finale that will push these contenders to the very edge.