Triumph for Aci Team Italia: Bernini and Mattucci Secure Victory in Croatia

News">

Croatia Rally Sees Rising Stars and Crushed Dreams in Dramatic Finish

October 6, 2025

The Croatia Rally concluded with a mix of elation and disappointment as competitors battled challenging conditions and fiercely competitive racing. The event, the eighth and final appointment of the ARC, saw both veteran aspirations dashed and the emergence of exciting new talent in the world of rally racing.

Italian Hopes Dashed for Mabellini

Andrea Mabellini, alongside navigator Virginia Lenzi, faced a devastating setback in thier pursuit of the European title. The Brescia driver’s Skoda Fabia RS Rally 2 suffered a road exit during the fourth test, ending his bid for a podium finish and extinguishing Italian hopes for the championship after a 14-year wait. mabellini expressed his regret via Instagram, apologizing to his support team and fans.

Bernini Claims National Victory

Sixteen-Year-Old Matteo Bernini and Lorenzo Mattucci showcased extraordinary skill and determination to secure victory in the national race. Piloting a Hyundai i20 R5 from the bernini Gommeda Pirelli team, Bernini is now within reach of the Croatian title. The young driver from Tortona described a focused strategy, creating an early lead before navigating a damaged arm in the second lap to maintain their position.

Mixed Fortunes for ACI Team Italia

The Croatia Rally proved to be a mixed bag for ACI Team Italia. while Bernini celebrated success, Francesco dei Ceci and Nicolò Lazzarini encountered misfortune. Their debut in the international arena with the Lancia Ypsilon Rally 4 was cut short after a strong start, forcing retirement in the third test.Trentin,however,completed the event in 26th position,prioritizing experience and accumulating valuable kilometers.

Did You Know? Rally racing demands immense precision, with drivers and navigators relying on detailed pace notes to navigate challenging and frequently enough unpredictable terrains.

Rally Performance Summary

Driver	Navigator	Vehicle	Result
Andrea Mabellini	Virginia Lenzi	skoda fabia RS Rally 2	Retired
Matteo Bernini	lorenzo Mattucci	Hyundai i20 R5	Winner (National Race)
Francesco dei Ceci	Nicolò Lazzarini	Lancia Ypsilon Rally 4	Retired
Trentin	TBD	TBD	26th

Pro Tip: Effective communication between driver and navigator is critical for success in rally racing, requiring a shared understanding of pace notes and road conditions.

The Croatia Rally highlighted both the heartbreaks and the triumphs inherent in motorsport, demonstrating the unwavering dedication and skill of the competitors.

The Growing Appeal of Rally Racing

rally racing continues to grow in popularity worldwide, captivating audiences with its blend of speed, skill, and dramatic landscapes. the sport’s unique challenges – navigating diverse terrains,adapting to changing weather conditions,and the vital partnership between driver and navigator – create a compelling spectacle for fans. Recent years have seen a surge in younger drivers entering the sport,injecting fresh energy and driving innovation.

According to data from the FIA, global motorsport participation has increased by 15% in the last five years, with rally racing showing particular growth in emerging markets. This trend is fuelled by increased media coverage, the rising accessibility of online streaming, and the appeal of rally racing’s adventurous spirit.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rally Racing

1. What is rally racing? Rally racing is a form of motorsport that takes place on public or private roads, typically with varying surfaces like gravel, asphalt, and snow.
2. What makes a successful rally driver? Successful rally drivers possess exceptional driving skills, spatial awareness, quick reflexes, and the ability to work effectively with their navigator.
3. What is the role of the navigator? The navigator reads pace notes to the driver, providing crucial information about upcoming corners, hazards, and road conditions.
4. What are pace notes? Pace notes are a coded system of instructions used by navigators to describe the characteristics of a rally stage to the driver.
5. How do rally teams prepare for a race? Rally teams spend considerable time scouting stages, analyzing weather forecasts, and adjusting car setups to optimize performance.
6. what safety measures are in place during rally races? Rally races incorporate comprehensive safety measures including roll cages, fire suppression systems, mandatory safety equipment for competitors, and track marshals.

What are your thoughts on the rising stars in rally racing? Share your comments below!

What strategic adjustments did Aci team Italia make regarding tire management during Rally croatia?

Rally Croatia 2025: A Detailed Race Report

Teh Aci Team Italia duo, Andrea Bernini and Alessandro Mattucci, have clinched a stunning victory at the 2025 Rally Croatia, marking a significant achievement for Italian motorsport. The challenging Croatian stages proved no match for the skillful pairing, who navigated the demanding terrain to secure first place. This win solidifies their position as rising stars in the European Rally Championship (ERC) and highlights the growing strength of Italian rally teams. Rally Croatia, known for its asphalt surfaces and unpredictable weather, presented a formidable test for all competitors.

Key Moments of the Rally

Bernini and Mattucci’s success wasn’t without its challenges. Several key moments defined their winning performance:

* Stage 5 – The Turning Point: A masterful drive through the notoriously difficult Stage 5 allowed Bernini and Mattucci to gain a crucial lead, capitalizing on a minor setback for their closest rivals.

* Consistent Pace: Throughout the rally, the team maintained a remarkably consistent pace, minimizing errors and maximizing their car’s potential. this strategic approach proved vital in the demanding conditions.

* Tyre Management: Effective tyre management was critical on the abrasive Croatian asphalt. The Aci Team Italia crew expertly adjusted their tyre strategy based on changing weather conditions and stage characteristics.

* strategic Repairs: A minor mechanical issue during Saturday’s stages was swiftly addressed by the team’s mechanics, demonstrating their efficiency and preparedness.

The Competition: Notable Performances

While Bernini and Mattucci took the top spot, the 2025 Rally Croatia saw several other remarkable performances:

* Second Place – Laurent Pellier (France): pellier delivered a strong performance, pushing Bernini and Mattucci throughout the rally.

* Third Place – Miklós Csomós (Hungary): Csomós secured a well-deserved podium finish, showcasing the increasing competitiveness of the ERC field.

* Local Hero – Jan Kopecký (Czech Republic): Despite facing challenges, Kopecký, a seasoned rally veteran, entertained the crowds with his aggressive driving style.

Aci Team Italia: A Rising Force in Rallying

The Aci Team Italia’s success is a testament to their dedication, investment in young talent, and commitment to excellence.

* Driver Profile: Andrea Bernini: Bernini, 26, is a rising star in Italian rallying, known for his aggressive yet calculated driving style.He previously competed in the Italian Rally Championship, gaining valuable experience before moving to the ERC.

* Co-Driver Profile: Alessandro Mattucci: Mattucci, a highly experienced co-driver, provides Bernini with precise and timely pace notes, crucial for navigating the challenging rally stages.

* Team Strategy: aci Team italia’s strategic approach, focusing on consistent performance and effective tyre management, proved to be a winning formula in Croatia.

* Technical Support: The team’s highly skilled mechanics and engineers played a vital role in ensuring the car’s reliability and performance throughout the rally.

The Croatian Stages: A Driver’s Challenge

Rally Croatia is renowned for its unique and challenging stages. The asphalt surfaces are often narrow, winding, and covered in gravel, demanding precision and skill from the drivers.

* Surface Variability: The stages feature a mix of smooth and rough asphalt, requiring drivers to adapt their driving style accordingly.

* Weather conditions: Unpredictable weather,including rain and fog,can considerably impact grip levels and visibility.

* Stunning Scenery: The rally route takes competitors through stunning Croatian landscapes, providing a breathtaking backdrop for the competition.

* Demanding Layout: The stages are characterized by tight corners, crests, and descents, testing the drivers’ technical abilities and nerve.

Looking Ahead: The ERC Championship

Bernini and Mattucci’s victory in Croatia has significantly boosted their chances in the 2025 European Rally Championship.The team will now focus on preparing for the next round of the championship, aiming to build on their momentum and challenge for the overall title. Key areas of focus will include:

* Further Advancement: Continued development of the car’s setup and performance.

* Strategic Planning: Careful planning for each rally, taking into account the specific characteristics of the stages and weather conditions.

* Physical and Mental Preparation: Maintaining peak physical and mental fitness to cope with the demands of the championship.

* Sponsorship and Support: Securing continued sponsorship and support to ensure the team has the resources needed to compete at the highest level.