Rallylegend has, even recently, received “several offers” to move the event to another location, and the possibility has indeed been considered. That’s according to Paolo Valli, a Sammarinese citizen who organizes the event and serves as president of FAMS, the Titano’s motorsport federation, speaking to Insider. But nothing has been decided: only after this year’s edition, scheduled from October 8 to 11, will organizers assess whether the conditions exist to hold next year’s race.
Among the difficulties, Valli points to red tape, the limited space available for an event that has grown considerably, and the decree-law issued on September 30, which bans the sale and consumption of alcohol between 9pm and 3am in the event areas and within a 500-metre radius during race days. The measure comes a year after a homemade explosive device injured eight spectators. For now, no details have emerged about who made the offers.
Valli, is there any truth to the rumors about a possible relocation?
“They stem from problems that do exist and that, over time, have become increasingly significant for the organization. In the past, even recently, we’ve received several offers concerning the Rallylegend format, and we have also considered the possibility of moving the event to another location, where certain difficulties might be eased. But right now we’re on the eve of this year’s edition: any decisions will come only after we evaluate how things go.”
So, as of today, no choice has been made yet?
“Nothing has been decided. There are circumstances that could lead us to consider a move, that’s true. For now, let’s focus on this edition, see how it goes, and right after, we’ll assess whether the conditions are there to organize next year’s race.”
How much does the relationship with San Marino weigh in this?
“The bond is deep. Rallylegend was born in 2003, and I’ve always been Sammarinese. We’re not outsiders who came in to set up an event — I feel deeply connected to this land. But if the circumstances become too demanding, we have to weigh our options.”
What are the main difficulties?
“The bureaucratic burden has become too heavy. We have to fit everything into a very limited territory, and that makes it hard to reconcile the numbers Rallylegend has reached with the space we actually have. The editions from five, six or seven years ago are one thing; today’s event, which has grown enormously, is quite another.”
Do the new restrictions factor into your thinking as well?
“Yes, including the decree introducing several bans. Nobody wants a situation with no rules at all, but moving from what happened last year straight to such a drastic clampdown creates real difficulties. In my opinion, some statements from operators who benefit from the event have also gone too far. Let’s see how this edition goes, and then we’ll make our assessments.”
What do you expect in terms of public turnout?
“This year we might see a bit of a downsizing, partly for broader, international reasons as well — fuel costs, travel expenses, transportation. We have many enthusiasts who come from abroad, and some of them might decide to skip it this year. It’s something we’ll have to monitor.”
What will be the starting point for discussions after the event?
“There are problems that make it difficult to run the event. If there’s genuine goodwill to overcome them, we can work in that direction. Otherwise, a different location could also be considered. But let me stress again: that evaluation will only come after this year’s edition.”
