Giovanni Trentin, a rising star in the National team, is gearing up for a significant season as he debuts in both the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) and the Italian Gravel Rally Championship (CIRT). The 17-year-old is one of the most promising young Italian drivers and is set to pilot the Skoda Fabia RS for Delta Rally full-time this season.
Trentin‘s journey is rooted in a family passion for racing. Born in Montebelluna in 2007, he grew up in the world of karting while always keeping an eye on rally racing, particularly on dirt tracks where his father, Mauro, competed successfully until recently. In 2023, Giovanni made his initial foray into rally driving through the ACI Youth Project, representing the National team in the Latvian championship and subsequently competing in Finland. Now, he’s ready for the global stage.
Giovanni will compete in the WRC2 category, beginning with the Rally Islas Canarias on asphalt from April 24-27, navigated by Alessandro Franco. “I’m thrilled to start a season filled with such opportunities,” Trentin shared. “It’s a dream quickly becoming reality, especially considering just three years ago, I was racing karts. Competing in both the World Championship and the Italian Gravel Rally Championship simultaneously is ideal.”
The domestic campaign will run parallel to his international endeavors, allowing Trentin to race on Italian soil for the first time in the CIRT. “I’m eager to race in Italy. The roads are beautiful, and I anticipate a fun and familiar environment, even though I haven’t had much experience with it. I’m also looking forward to a challenging and exciting championship, given the caliber of the competitors,” he added.
Despite the newness of the upcoming season, Trentin remains optimistic. “I feel confident, especially after a positive experience with Alessandro Franco at the Santa Domenica Rally in Croatia last November,” he explained. “Although that was my first time in a Rally2 car and we were with Toyota, the transition went well. I trust that my experience with Delta Rally will be equally successful.”
2025 promises to be a busy year for Trentin, with WRC2 stages in the Canary Islands, Portugal, Greece, Sardinia, Estonia, and Finland. He also plans to compete throughout the Italian Gravel Rally Championship. “It’s hard to choose favorites among these rallies; they’re all spectacular. However, I’m particularly excited about the Rally Italia Sardegna and the Rally Finland,” he noted.
In addition to these championships, Trentin is looking forward to participating in the Prealpi Master Show, a local rally he has attended since childhood. “It’s a special event for me, where I’ll find many friends and family members among the spectators. It’s going to be a beautiful experience.”
Reflecting on his first two years, Trentin feels grateful for the invaluable experience gained on both fast and technical roads, which has consistently led him to the finish line without significant issues.
With the Italian tricolor emblazoned on his overalls and car, Trentin feels a deep sense of pride rather than pressure. “Representing Italy is meaningful, but it feels more like an encouragement than a responsibility,” he stated.
This sentiment is reinforced by the support of his father, Mauro, who remains his staunchest supporter. “My father always follows me. He is my first fan, and we share all the results together,” Giovanni concluded.