Rallylegend 2024 roared to a thrilling conclusion with Adrien Fourmaux (WRC), Simone Romagna (Classics), and Simone Brusori (Historics) seizing victories in their respective categories. This year’s edition in San Marino delivered everything the rally faithful hoped for: spectacular cars, nail-biting battles, and an atmosphere crackling with energy.
Fourmaux, representing M-Sport Ford in the Puma Rally1 Hybrid, put on a masterclass. After shaking off a minor hydraulic issue during the Sprint Legend Race, the Frenchman stormed through the stages, winning every test with flair and speed. He also found time to charm the crowd, signing autographs and snapping selfies with fans. “It’s always great to be back at Rallylegend,” Fourmaux said, “The atmosphere this year was even warmer, and bringing the Puma Hybrid to this rally festival was something special.”
Meanwhile, Andrea Crugnola made headlines of his own, finishing 15th overall in the WRC category. The four-time Italian rally champion brought flair to the event with his Peugeot 106 Maxi, standing tall against the Rally1 and Rally2 machines and earning the respect of rally enthusiasts for his bold performance.
Classics and Historics: Lancia and Porsche Rrule the roost
Simone Romagna, behind the wheel of a 1990 Lancia Delta Integrale 16V, gave a clinic in rally domination. Paired with Lamonato, Romagna led from the outset, battling closely with Gustavo Trelles until the Uruguayan’s Subaru Impreza bowed out due to clutch failure. From there, Romagna maintained his edge to fend off a spirited charge from Andrea Saccheggiani in a Subaru Impreza 555 and “Il Valli” in a BMW M3.
Over in the Historics, Simone Brusori brought home the win in a 1981 Porsche 911 SCRS, managing his lead with precision over local favourite Stefano Rosati in a Talbot Lotus. A second Porsche, piloted by Alessandro Bonafè and Paolo Cargnelutti, rounded off the podium in what was a classic battle of grit and nostalgia.
Legend Stars, parades, and free laps: The ultimate rally showcase
Beyond the competitive stages, Rallylegend delivered non-stop entertainment with the Legend Stars segment and the free laps extravaganza. Motorsport icons like Miki Biasion, Arturo Merzario, and Stig Blomqvist joined the fun, taking to the track in legendary machines. Among the highlights was Bastianini, MotoGP star and Ducati rider, who took on the challenge of taming an Audi Quattro S1 alongside Lamborghini test driver Emanuele Zonzini. “It’s incredible to feel the raw power of these machines,” exclaimed Bastianini with a grin.
Fan favourites Paolo Diana and Frank Kelly kept the crowd on the edge of their seats, leaving rubber and smoke on every corner. The Dakar cars parade was another crowd-pleaser, closing the event in style alongside icons like the Lancia Stratos and the mighty Audi Quattro.
Kovalainen flies high with Pirelli Best Jump trophy
Rally legend and former F1 driver Heikki Kovalainen snagged the Pirelli Best Jump trophy in emphatic style. His leap aboard a Citroen C3 WRC Plus was deemed the finest by a panel of judges, adding another feather to his cap in a career defined by versatility.
Antigua Legend Cup: Equal racing, dream prizes
The Antigua Legend Cup, Rallylegend’s unique challenge with sailing regatta-style rules, saw two drivers take home dream prizes. Stepan Vojtech, in a Citroen C3 WRC Plus, claimed the main trophy, while Andrea Crugnola, dazzling in his Peugeot 106 Maxi, won the historic category. Both drivers secured their spot in paradise with trips to Antigua, adding a luxurious finish to their rallying triumphs.