Engines roaring, a crowd fit for a big occasion, and plenty of spectacle on the roads of San Marino. Rallylegend 2026 got under way on Thursday evening with the night-time Sprint Legend Race, the first taste of the event’s 24th edition.
Victory on the roughly two-kilometre “rotonde” stage went to Luca Pedersoli, with co-driver Anna Tomasi, at the wheel of a Hyundai i20 N Rally1.
The podium was almost entirely Sammarinese, with Davide Simoncini and Umberto Bollini finishing second in their Citroën C3 WRC, just 1.4 seconds behind the winners. Third place went to Danilo Tomassini and Stefano Spadoni in a Škoda Fabia Evo R5 — both crews racing for Scuderia San Marino.
Fourth and fifth places were taken by Swiss drivers Mirko Puricelli and “Il Valli”, driving a Citroën DS3 WRC and a BMW M3 respectively.
The first test also proved successful for the event’s security arrangements, according to organisers, who deployed specialised personnel and new technology to manage the rally.
Meanwhile, the Rallylegend Village filled up with fans, who enjoyed meet-and-greets with drivers, autograph sessions and events dedicated to the history of rallying.
Particularly well attended was the tribute to Sandro Munari, attended by his son Matteo alongside champions such as Markku Alén, Miki Biasion, Stig Blomqvist and Franco Cunico.
Five original cars driven by the legendary racer were also on display, including the Lancia Stratos that won the 1977 Monte Carlo Rally and the Fiat 131 Abarth from the 1978 Sanremo Rally.
Friday, October 9 sees the competition move into full swing, with the first day of racing starting in the evening.
On Saturday, October 10, the start of the second leg is scheduled for 12:30pm, featuring two runs on the Le Tane and La Casa special stages and one on The Legend.
The programme also includes the Alex Fiorio Tribute and the Group B Tribute, featuring the participation of several of rallying’s greatest names.
