The Rally Lana 2024 took place on July 19 and 20, attracting drivers and enthusiasts from all over the world to Biella. Once again, SafetyDrugs renewed its role as the official sponsor of this prestigious event.
Rally Lana: a story of passion and competition
The Rally della Lana is a prestigious car race held annually in the Biella area, which has become a must-see event for motorsport enthusiasts. Its first edition was held on April 14, 1973, when Franco Perazio, driving his Fulvia H.F. 1.6 Gr4, inaugurated the competition in front of an excited crowd. Initially conceived as a “Regolarità Sprint” race, the rally quickly gained fame, establishing itself as one of the toughest challenges in the Italian Rally Championship.
Over the years, the race has attracted top-tier drivers like Gianni Besozzi, Bossetti, Carello, and Dalla Pozza, who have helped elevate Rally della Lana to an international level. In 1978, the competition was promoted to “International Rally,” marking a significant milestone in its growth.
In the 1980s, the management of the rally was taken over by a team of experts, including “Meme” Gubernati, Roberto Bologna, Federico Ormezzano, and Renato Genova, with the support of Dante Salvay. In 1984, the organization was handed over to Biella Corse, further strengthening the event’s reputation.
During the 1990s, drivers such as Piero Longhi and Andrea Dallavilla kept the competition in the spotlight with their consecutive victories. The new millennium saw the participation of international figures like Jean Ragnotti, Patrick Snijers, and Harry Toivonen.
After a hiatus, the Rally della Lana returned in 2018 thanks to the efforts of “Rally Lana Alive” and “New Turbomark,” continuing to offer a technical and challenging course. The comeback edition saw brothers Ivan and Marina Carmellino take the victory.
With over 40 years of history, Rally della Lana remains a highly anticipated event, where tradition and innovation come together to offer a unique experience for both drivers and spectators.
Rally Lana 2024: the course
The course of Rally Lana 2024 once again lived up to the tradition of one of Italy’s most iconic races. It passed through some of the most breathtaking landscapes of the Biella area, featuring technical and spectacular sections that challenged the drivers’ skills. The selected roads offered a thrilling experience for spectators, with demanding curves and high-speed straights.
The total course covered over 400 km, with approximately 110.75 km of special stages, making this edition one of the most challenging and spectacular ever.
Rally Lana 2024: the schedule
Day 1: Friday, July 19
Start: The race began at 17:31 in Piazza Martiri della Libertà in Biella.
SS 1 “Tracciolino”: Starting at 18:30, this 16.17 km special stage posed an immediate challenge, with a variety of road conditions requiring intense focus.
SS 2 “Città di Biella”: At 22:01, the drivers faced the long 23 km stage, which included the ascent to the Santuario di Oropa. This night stage added extra difficulty and excitement.
Day 2: Saturday, July 20
SS 3 and SS 5 “Ailoche”: The “Ailoche” stage took place in two sections, the first at 10:10 and the second at 13:25. This 11.50 km stage featured narrow roads and abrasive surfaces, with downhill sections requiring careful management of tires and brakes.
SS 4 and SS 6 “Curino”: Spanning 13.12 km, “Curino” is a historic and technical stage, also run in two phases—the first at 10:46 and the second at 15:01. This year, the stage was run in the reverse direction compared to 2022, adding a new layer of challenge.
The final finish took place at 16:01 in Piazza Martiri della Libertà, with the awards ceremony concluding the event.
Who won the Rally Lana 2024?
The Rally della Lana 2024 saw an all-Skoda podium, with Mattia Pizio and Luca Simonini taking first place. Ivan Carmellino and Elio Tirone finished second, followed by Elwis Chentre and Massimiliano in third.
The race was marked by an unexpected twist, as local favorite Corrado Pinzano was forced to retire due to a technical issue.
