The Press Conference and the Shakedown

Markku Alén, Miki Biasion, Dani Sordo, Martins Sesks, Tony Cairoli, Franco Cunico, Rachele Somaschini and Daiana Darderi, San Marinese co-driver, were the star ambassadors of Rallylegend at the official opening of one of the most anticipated rally events in the world.

On behalf of the Government of the Republic of San Marino, greetings and firm, concrete appreciation were brought by Andrea Belluzzi, Secretary of State for Internal Affairs, Civil Service, Institutional Affairs and Civil Protection; Federico Pedini Amati, Secretary of State for Tourism, Posts, Cooperation, Expo, Information and Tourism Investment Attraction; and Alessandro Mancini, Private Secretary of the Secretariat of State for Industry, Crafts, Trade, Technological Research, Telecommunications and Sport.

“Rallylegend is the event that, without a doubt, guarantees the greatest tourist influx and the highest economic benefit to the Republic of San Marino,” is the shared view, albeit with different nuances. “It is the most important event we host in our territory, an initiative to be safeguarded at all costs. In this regard, allow me to thank the organisers, to whom the institutions guarantee their maximum support, and everyone who works for the safety of competitors, spectators and the territory while also managing to guarantee spectacle and fun. To all those who will reach the Republic of San Marino for the 2026 edition of Rallylegend, the warmest welcome from the Secretariat of State for Tourism.”

Speeches followed from Christian Forcellini, President of the CONS (San Marino National Olympic Committee), and from the organisers Paolo Valli and Vito Piarulli, who described Rallylegend 2026, with the big novelty of the return of the Memorial Bettega, and stressed the great step forward in safety management, with a “control room” in Race Control featuring state-of-the-art technology and highly qualified personnel. All in close cooperation with the Institutions, the Gendarmerie, the Civil Police and Civil Protection. The logistical and technical aspects were explained by Race Director Mauro Zambelli, who described how the rally is managed.

This morning the preliminary checks and the recce of the route by the crews were completed, followed by the “appetizer” of the Drivers Parade.

But the greatest anticipation is for the “Sprint Legend Race”, the roundabouts special stage, held at night, the first chance to see in action and applaud the more than 150 splendid cars in the race.