The tireless staff of Rallylegend went on working even during the “sacred” holiday time of August. One of the most appreciated result is that Gilles Panizzi, the French ace who dominated the tarmac roads of the WRC during the first years 2000, will be present for the first time at Rallylegend in the WRC/Kit Car category, driving a powerful Peugeot 306 Maxi. And right one of those that the French driver used to seat on when he won the national titles in 1996 and 1997. That same car is still winning today, under the care of the Top Rally Team, as it happened with Denis Colombini at the wheel during last Rallylegend.

Another big name is thus coming to cover the special stages of the Republic of San Marino.

Gilles Panizzi is considered one of the fastest drivers on tarmac. He won various French titles and also a good number rallies in the World Rally Championship as official Peugeot driver and with private teams: one of them was also the Italian Grifone, all on the 206 WRC. Three victories in a row at the Sanremo Rallye in 2000, 2001 and 2002, two at the Tour de Corse, in 2000 and 2002, two at the Catalunya Rally in 2002 and 2003 can make good shine in Panizzi’s palmares. He first debuted in the WRC in 1990 with the Lancia Delta Integrale N Group, He was test driver in 2007for the development of the Peugeot 207 Super 2000, the queen of its category thereafter for a long time.

HIGHLY APPEALING PRIZES FOR THE VW GOLF GTIs THAT WILL ENTER RALLYLEGEND

All the Volkswagen Golf GTIs that will enter the Myth and Historic categories will automatically take part to the “GTI 40 Years of Fun Celebration”. The cars participating in the “GTI 40 Years of Fun Celebration” will have a reserved area within the Rally Village, celebration gadgets, official event’s plate. The crews will be invited to some dedicated initiatives for this special anniversary that will take place during the event.

There will be a dedicated classification there including all the Golf GTIs in the rally under the Historic and Myth categories. Prizes will go to the first 3 rankings: the first will win a journey to the Rally of Sweden 2017, including flight, hotel, participation to the Volkswagen VIP Program during the rally, access to the Volkswagen Hospitality within the WRC service park. The second crew will win some models of the Volkswagen Golf GTI car in limited edition, whereas the third crew will win a purchase voucher for some spare parts to buy at Volkswagen Classic, value € 250,00.

“WHEN ALITALIA USED TO FLY IN RALLIES”: A CELEBRATION THAT WILL REMAIN IN TIME

The initiative “When Alitalia used to fly in rallies” is rising great interest and is involving important characters of the time. The great history of Alitalia, indissolubly linked to the overwhelming success of the Fiat and Lancia cars during the ‘70s and ’80s will bring back to life its epic at Rallylegend: meetings with drivers, the team managers of the time, films and videos of that age and an exhibition of the cars that made the history of the brand: Lancia Stratos, Beta Coupè, Fiat Ritmo and Fiat 131 Abarth. The latter will be absolute protagonist in the dedicated celebration of its first 40 years for the “40th Fiat 131 Abarth anniversary”, with an exhibition of “one-three-one” in various official liveries.

There are above all some important project under definition, which are linked to these events and which will make them unforgettable and remain in time. All details will be revealed throughout the event.

SHELL ITALIA JOINS THE MAIN PARTNERS OF RALLYLEGEND

A new partner will be among the main sponsors of Rallylegend, a name bearing tradition in the motorsport world: Shell Italia (www.shell.it). This presence confirms the will of Shell Italia to be present in the field of big sports events, with a brand that has been producing and commercializing technologically advanced lubricants in Italy for more than 100 years. The Shell Helix brand will also be seen at Rallylegend on the cars of the BR Sport Team, using the Shell products studied for races.

RALLYLEGEND IN MEMORY OF “PUCCI” GROSSI

He never took part to Rallylegend, but he was a big enthusiast and he hardly missed one as a spectator. “ Rallylegend is so much fun to spectate” “Pucci” Grossi used to say, among the most passionate fans, always present also under buckets of rain on some editions. The national smiling gravel champion from Rimini suddenly passed away some days ago, leaving strong grief and a deep gap in his family, friends and many fans. Rallylegend will keep “Pucci” Grossi close during the days of the event. His memory and his accomplishments will come to life again right on the stage of the Republic of San Marino that witnessed unforgettable victories in a continuous fight with the other great champion of San Marino who left us already some years ago: Massimo Ercolani.

WWW.RALLYLEGEND.COM REFERENCE POINT FOR INFORMATION

The website www.rallylegend.com is the official reference point for official information regarding everything on the San Marino event. The website is constantly updated with all communications, addresses, news about Rallylegend.