Alberto Battistolli, the current champion, has unveiled his new Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, prepared by Delta Rally and equipped with Pirelli tires, as he prepares to defend his title in the Italian Gravel Rally Championship (CIRT). With co-driver Simone Scattolin by his side, Battistolli is set to tackle the Italian dirt tracks once more. “The appetite comes with eating… we’ll see if our chosen package delivers right from the start,” stated the Vicenza-born driver.
After clinching the 2024 Italian Gravel Rally Championship in a thrilling photo finish, Battistolli is geared up for the new season. This year, he transitions from a successful stint in a Skoda Fabia RS backed by MRF to the Toyota GR Yaris Rally2. His ongoing partnership with Scattolin and support from Movisport promise another high-stakes campaign. The CIRT is set to commence in Foligno on March 8-9, featuring a lineup of internationally recognized teams and drivers, setting the stage for another spectacular season.
“A new year, a new challenge—each special stage will test us as always,” Battistolli reflected during the presentation at the Rally Racing Meeting venue. “Last year, we learned that a championship isn’t decided in the first few events; success requires consistency across all six. We’re entering this season with several new elements, and it remains to be seen how well our technical setup will perform. The goal is clear—to repeat and defend our title. The hunger is back, and I’m ready to feast once again.”
Alberto Battistolli began his career in historic rallying, following in the footsteps of his father “Lucky,” and quickly made a mark by securing two Italian under-30 championships. After competing in the European Historic Championship, he shifted to modern rally cars in 2020. Over three seasons in the FIA European Rally Championship, representing ACI Team Italia and often competing as a wild card in Italian gravel events, Battistolli has consistently showcased his prowess on dirt tracks. Last year, he captured his first career title by winning the final two rounds of the season at the Rally dei Nuraghi and Rally delle Marche, demonstrating his skill and determination. Since his transition to modern cars, Simone Scattolin has been an integral part of his team, providing invaluable guidance from the co-driver’s seat.