The Italian Gravel Rally Championship (CIRT) reaches its thrilling conclusion this weekend (November 16-17) with the final showdown at the Rally delle Marche. With four crews still in contention for the title, the event promises 70km of intense racing over nine special stages set across the scenic yet challenging terrains of Gagliole, San Severino Marche, and Cingoli. Rally fans can expect two days of heart-stopping action as top contenders battle for the coveted tricolor.
Following eight months and five unforgettable rounds, the Italian Gravel Rally Championship is set for its grand finale. The 17th Rally delle Marche will determine the new champion, with an increased score coefficient adding extra intensity to the final points tally. Just two weeks after the Sardinian leg, dirt specialists will return to Gagliole and San Severino Marche for nine back-to-back special stages on Sunday. Every kilometer of the 70km timed distance will count, setting the stage for a thrilling final duel for the CIRT title.
Four-way battle for the CIRT championship title
Four crews remain in contention for the Italian Rally Terra Championship, though the leading two hold a narrow advantage. Currently at the top of the standings is Tommaso Ciuffi, alongside co-driver Pietro Cigni in a Škoda Fabia RS. However, his lead over main rival Alberto Battistolli has slimmed significantly after Battistolli’s comeback win at the Rally dei Nuraghi e del Vermentino. Driving another Škoda Fabia RS with co-driver Simone Scattolin, Battistolli now trails Ciuffi by only two points. Both drivers have an impressive season record, and the champion will be whoever finishes ahead in Marche.
But it’s not just a two-man race. Umberto Scandola, partnered with Paolo Cargnelutti in a Škoda Fabia RS Evo, will be a formidable challenger, especially if errors occur on the tricky dirt roads, where conditions can quickly change the course of a race. Also in the mix is Enrico Oldrati, currently at 34 points with Giacomo Ciucci, who could still make an impact on the podium—and potentially more—with the added points coefficient.
Additional contenders and Cup races
The Rally delle Marche has drawn all of CIRT’s finest, and competition for the top spot extends beyond the four championship hopefuls. Fresh off a Sardinian podium finish, Finnish driver Jaakko Lavio and co-driver Kristian Temonen are eager to push for a final podium placement in CIRT. Meanwhile, the ACI Sport Under25 Cup will see reigning champion Angelo Pucci Grossi face off against Christian Tiramani and Fabio Grimaldi in a tight one-point contest, ensuring an intense finish.
The rally will also see the return of notable drivers like Luca Hoelbling, who missed the Sardinian leg, and Emanuele Dati, both determined to end their seasons on a high note. Additionally, Tamara Molinaro and her co-driver Patrick Bernardi will make a comeback in San Severino Marche, along with several “white road” enthusiasts like Jader Vagnini, Marco Roncoroni, and Massimo Squarcialupi, all eager to take on the Italian dirt one more time. Drivers like Stefano Bizzarri and Luisa Lanera, along with Alessandro Zorzi and Roberta Franzoni, are set to put on a show in their Citroen C3 and Fabia Evo respectively, with Bizzarri locked in a tight Over 55 battle with Marco Gianesini.
Race programme highlights
This year’s Rally delle Marche begins with an opening ceremony in San Severino Marche’s Piazza del Popolo. Crews will have a chance to test the surface during morning practice, with free practice at 10 am and qualifying at 12 pm on Saturday, followed by a 7 pm ceremonial start. Sunday’s race features three distinct stages, each run three times for a total of nine stages:
- Castelletta Stage (9.86 km): A blend of technical sections, climbs, and fast descents.
- Santo Stefano Stage (4.82 km): A quick uphill sprint from Lago di Cingoli to Santo Stefano.
- Gagliole Stage (8.67 km): A fresh addition, combining forested paths and rugged surfaces, with a technical finish near Gagliole.
The Rally delle Marche concludes in Cingoli, where the Italian Rally Terra Champion for 2024 will be crowned at 5:20 pm.
Current Championship standings
01: Tommaso Ciuffi – 51 points
02: Alberto Battistolli – 49 points
03: Jaakko Heikkila – 36 points
04: Umberto Scandola – 35 points
05: Enrico Oldrati – 34 points
