An impressive rally debut saw young ACI Team Italia driver Valentino Ledda secure a remarkable second place on the Sardinian dirt roads in his Škoda Fabia Evo Rally2, trailing only the seasoned Martins Sesks.
A rising star on the dirt
The Tandalò Hill Climb provided a spectacular stage for Valentino Ledda’s talent. The driver from Burgos, guided by co-driver Claudio Mele, showcased exceptional skill and composure in his first outing on the Škoda Fabia Evo Rally2. Competing on his home soil in Sardinia, Ledda took the second spot in the overall classification during the dirt race in Buddusò. His performance also earned him third place in the “Manscione,” a thrilling final time trial that crowns the “King of Tandalò.”
Despite the presence of high-profile competitors, including international stars like Latvian WRC and European Championship standout Martins Sesks and Norwegian rally veteran Henning Solberg, as well as national champion Umberto Scandola, Ledda held his ground admirably. The event, structured around five stages plus the decisive “Manscione,” tested competitors against each other and the challenging Sardinian terrain.
A battle against the best
Piloting a car prepared by the Erreffe Rally Team, Ledda consistently delivered strong results, claiming second place in three individual special stages. His primary rival, Martins Sesks, piloted the cutting-edge Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, cementing his reputation as a top-tier driver after clinching the 2023 European Championship vice title.
In the final “Manscione” shootout on Sunday, Ledda narrowly missed second place by an agonizing margin of just 0.006 seconds in a nail-biting finish against Henning Solberg, brother of former World Champion Petter Solberg. Despite this, Ledda’s overall performance solidified his status as a rising talent in rallying.
Valentino Ledda reflects on a dream debut
Speaking after the event, Ledda expressed pride and gratitude for his achievement: “I’m absolutely thrilled. Before the race, I couldn’t have imagined a result like this. Seeing my name alongside such esteemed drivers is a huge source of pride. Sesks was untouchable, but finishing behind him with a minimal gap is immensely satisfying. Everything went perfectly—my car, the team, and my navigator Claudio Mele, who not only supported me but also tolerated my nerves and excitement during critical moments.”
A season to remember
The Tandalò performance caps a stellar year for Ledda, who also competed in the Finnish Championship, finishing fourth in the Rally4 class under the banner of ACI Team Italia. Reflecting on his season, he said: “I want to thank everyone who has supported me, from my family to the Automobile Club d’Italia, as well as Pirelli, Sparco, and all my sponsors. This year has been an incredible experience that has helped me grow not just technically and athletically but also personally.”
For Valentino Ledda, the 2023 season ends on a high note, with his debut performance at Tandalò offering a glimpse into a promising future in rally racing.