The thrilling 41st Rally della Marca and the 3rd Rally della Marca Storico are set to commence this Friday, April 4, and continue through Saturday, April 5, 2025. As the inaugural events of the TIR – Italian Rally Trophy and the Coppa Rally di Zona (valid for Zone 5 this year with a coefficient of 1.75), excitement builds in the historic town of Montebelluna, the host city.
Event Highlights and Key Details
Montebelluna will be buzzing with rally spirit, with both races starting and finishing at the iconic Piazza Giuseppe Verdi, offering a prestigious backdrop for the rally’s festivities. The service park and regrouping activities will take place in Valdobbiadene, nestled in the heart of the UNESCO-listed Prosecco Hills. A notable addition this year is the “Base” special stage, launching the rally from the striking Ex Peseggia Missile Base in Scorzè, promising an unforgettable start to the competition.
The Rally della Marca continues to embody Passion, Internationality, and a deep connection to the Territory, staying true to its mission over decades of rallying.
Competitor Highlights
This year’s rally features a formidable lineup of 85 crews across both the modern and historic competitions. Noteworthy among the entrants is Paolo Andreucci, an eleven-time Italian champion, returning to the Rally della Marca after thirty years, paired with Rudy Briani in a Citroën C3 Rally2. Fresh from a victory at the Rally della Val d’Orcia, Andreucci is poised to challenge for the top once again.
Other top contenders include Corrado Pinzano and Mauro Turati, last year’s winners, driving a Skoda Fabia RS Rally2 alongside rivals Giuseppe Testa and Massimo Bizzocchi, and Simone Miele with Roberto Mometti. Not to be overlooked, Luca Pedersoli and Anna Tomasi, a formidable duo with previous victories in 2010, 2014, and 2019, are back to add another title.
Giovanni Trentin, alongside Alessandro Franco, will use the Rally della Marca as a springboard for their upcoming World Rally Championship campaign starting at the Rally Islas Canarias.
Emerging Talent and Class Competitions
The rally also showcases rising stars and intense class competitions. Mariapaola Fiorio, grandchild of the legendary motorsport director Cesare Fiorio, debuts in an all-wheel-drive Citroën DS3, navigated by Giulia Bico. In the Rally4 and front-wheel drive categories, Lorenzo Grani and Samanta Grossi aim to defend their title in a Peugeot 208 against strong competitors like Giampaolo Bizzotto and Sandra Tommasini.
The Rally5 class will see Sebastian Dallapiccola and Fabio Andrian preparing for their season in the Italian Absolute Rally Sparco Junior Championship, facing tough local competition.
Historic Rally Class
In the historic rally segment, attention is on “Tony” Fassina, competing in his home race with a Lancia Stratos alongside Marco Verdelli. He faces stiff competition from Bernardino Marsura in a Porsche Carrera RS and other notable drivers like Denis Tezza and Massimo Merzari in their BMW M3, and the quick duo Andrea Marangon and Massimo Darisi in a Honda Civic.
As the rally gears up, the blend of historic charm and modern competition ensures that the 41st Rally della Marca and the 3rd Rally della Marca Storico will be a captivating spectacle for rally enthusiasts and competitors alike.