Photograph: ACIsport.it

Suzuki is revving up for an exhilarating 2025, as the much-anticipated Suzuki Rally Cup and Suzuki Challenge make their return, promising a season bursting with adrenaline and passion.

Suzuki has reaffirmed its dedication to motorsport for the coming year. The 18th edition of the Suzuki Rally Cup and the 26th edition of the Suzuki Challenge are set to commence. These single-brand series are not only a testament to thrilling motorsport but also offer substantial prize money, providing a platform for young drivers to showcase their talents and for enthusiast drivers to indulge their passion at reasonable costs within a highly competitive environment.

The excitement for these events was palpable at the official presentation held on Thursday, 20 February, at the Castelletto di Branduzzo circuit in Pavia. Coordinated by Suzuki Italia in collaboration with long-time partner Emmetre Racing, these competitions are cherished for their enduring appeal, delivering entertainment, competition, and sheer excitement. Competitors are poised to challenge both their rivals and the clock in contests marked by intense rivalry and sportsmanship.

These championships provide an opportunity for emerging young talents and seasoned amateurs to compete in prestigious events with reliable and competitive Suzuki vehicles, all at an affordable cost with the potential to win attractive prizes. All races will occur alongside national and international events on dramatic routes, meticulously organized by experienced bodies prioritizing safety.

Details of the Suzuki Rally Cup 18th Edition: This year’s Suzuki Rally Cup is shaping up to be a challenging and fiercely contested series. Participants can compete using various Suzuki models known for their balance of performance and durability, leveling the playing field and allowing drivers to shine through their skills and dedication.

Entry Fees:

  • Returning drivers from previous editions: €750 plus VAT
  • New entrants: €1,300 plus VAT The fee covers a Suzuki-branded sweatshirt or jacket, two polo shirts, two caps, a sticker kit for the race car, and for newcomers, a fireproof racing suit adorned with Suzuki logos.

Eligible Cars:

  • Swift Sport Hybrid with Ra5H specification
  • Swift/Baleno with Racing Start specification and BoosterJet 1.0 engine
  • Swift Sport 1600 with Ra5N specification
  • Swift BoosterJet 1.0 from the Rally5/R1 class All cars will be equipped with Extreme Performance Tires to ensure consistent performance.

2025 Race Calendar:

  • March 23: 48th Rally Ciocco (LU)
  • April 13: 19th Rally del Piemonte (CN)
  • May 11: 109th Targa Florio (PA)
  • June 1: 43rd Rally Due Valli (VR)
  • July 20: 61st Rally Valli Ossolane (VCO)
  • September 14: 8th Rally del Lazio (FR)
  • October 19: 72nd Rally Sanremo (IM)

Prizes: The Suzuki Rally Cup 2025 offers significant cash prizes and numerous awards across various categories including Absolute Drivers, Under 25, Racing Star, Navigators, Over 50, and Female divisions. The final standings will consider the best six results from each competitor, allowing the dismissal of their poorest performance. Additional points from the Power Stages of each race will be included, and to heighten the suspense, the points from the final race in Sanremo will be multiplied by 1.5. The total prize money available reaches an impressive €125,500.

This year, the Suzuki Rally Cup and Suzuki Challenge are poised to invigorate the Italian motorsport landscape and captivate racing fans with their storied heritage and thrilling competition.