JEAN JOSEPH – PIVATO IN CLASSIC CATEGORY, ROSATI–COSTA IN HISTORIC, AND SENRA–RAMOS IN WRC: THE WINNERS OF THE 23rd RALLYLEGEND 2025
A night stage on Friday, daylight racing on Saturday, and a rainy final on Sunday — the 23rd edition of Rallylegend was a truly complete rally.
Conditions changed, but not the final winner in the “Classic” category, which was dominated from the first to the last special stage by Simon Jean-Joseph, the French champion who showed his intact talent. At the wheel of a 1995 Subaru Impreza 555 and co-driven by Patrick Pivato, the Frenchman also claimed the coveted prize for the winner of the “McRae Subaru Group A Rally Trophy,” a special award crafted with a pair of shoes belonging to the late Scottish legend, donated by the McRae family.
There was great satisfaction as well for the Italian crew of Gianpietro Bendotti and Giuliano Vaerini, who finished second in a 1996 Impreza, including one stage win. Completing the podium was Hungarian driver Miklos Kazar, together with Tamas Begala, in a newer 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX.
In the “Historic” classification, which saw an unprecedented four San Marino crews occupying the top four spots — a true record at Rallylegend — Stefano Rosati was untouchable. A regular in his home event, Rosati, paired with Corrado Costa, added yet another win to his impressive collection, driving a 1981 Talbot Lotus.
He finished well ahead of the pursuing pairs, who completed the podium with just over ten seconds separating them: Mirko and Elisa Zanotti (1984 Opel Manta GTE) came second, followed by Nemo Mazza and Andrea Ercolani Volta (1979 Ford Escort MKII). The triumph for the white-and-blue colors of San Marino was completed by Enrico Ercolani Volta and Diego Zanotti, fourth in a 1982 BMW 320 E21.
Absolute domination in the “WRC” category came from the Spanish crew of Victori Senra Carreira and Paula Ramos Torrente, who won the “family duel” between the two Hyundai i20 WRCs in the race. Leading from the start, the Iberian driver built a solid advantage, easily fending off today’s comeback attempt by Luca Pedersoli and Anna Tomasi, who finished second. The Czech crew of Stepan Vojtech and Michal Ernst, in a Citroën C3 WRC Plus, took the final podium spot among the most powerful Rallylegend cars.
As always, the Legend Stars crews delivered a spectacular and crowd-pleasing show. Among them was Kalle Rovanperä, who, free from the pressure of rankings, thrilled spectators with his signature stunts, jumps, and donuts.
“I’m more and more in love with this incredible event!” said Kalle Rovanperä at the finish. “It’s one of the best in the world. Amazing cars, so many champions and drivers, and a fantastic crowd — it all creates a unique atmosphere.”
ROVANPERA FATHER AND SON’S SHOW AT SS “THE LEGEND”
They delighted the crowd with endless drifts, donuts, and unrestrained stunts; Harri Rovanpera overworked the Seat Cordova WRC he raced with in the late 1990s, while Kalle showed off his Toyota Starlet, which he uses in competition: endless applause for a show that can only be seen at Rallylegend.
THE PARADES, A FASCINATING DIVE INTO THE PAST
The Subaru Impreza and Legacy Group A cars, celebrating 30 years since Colin McRae’s world title; the Delta S4s, forty years after the launch of Lancia’s “total weapons” in Group B; and the Seventies cars that delighted us with the unforgettable roars of the Lancia Stratos, Fulvia HF, Fiat 131 Abarth, Alfa Romeo Alfetta GTV, Opel Kadett GTE, Simca Rally2, Alpine Renault A110, and Fiat Ritmo: it was thrilling to see all these rally icons back on special stages, with some of the great champions of the 1970s at the wheel, such as Tony Fassina, Adartico Vudafieri, Maurizio Verini, and Gabriele Noberasco.
PIRELLI JUMP IN THE LEGEND TROPHY AWARD GOES TO VELME
A panel of experts judged the best jump on a section of the special stage “The Legend 1.”
Among the many spectacular performances, this year’s award went to the Latvian crew Ivars and Andris Velme for executing the longest jump with their powerful 1983 Audi Sport Quattro S1 E2.
PRESS OFFICE
Manager: Leo Todisco Grande
Mobile +39.335.8298326
E-mail leotodisco@rallylegend.com
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