RALLY DI CASTIGLIONE TORINESE 2026: THOMAS PAPERINI CLAIMS VICTORY IN SKODA FABIA RALLY2

PAPERINI AND CICOGNINI WIN SIX OF EIGHT STAGES AS CHENTRE MOVES TO THE TOP OF THE LOCAL STANDINGS

Thomas Paperini and Monica Cicognini delivered a commanding performance to win the Rally di Castiglione Torinese 2026, taking victory aboard their Power Group Škoda Fabia Rally2 after claiming six of the event's eight special stages.

The 10th edition of the rally marked the halfway point of the Zone 1 Rally Cup and featured a two-day format, including the introduction of a new special stage on Saturday afternoon along the Lauriano section.

Local driver Davide Porta, co-driven by Daniele Araspi in a Lion Škoda Fabia Rally2, opened the rally by setting the fastest time on the Lauriano stage to lead overnight.

Sunday's action, however, brought a change at the front. Paperini and Cicognini moved into the overall lead on the opening Sciolze stage before extending their advantage with additional stage victories at Moncucco, Cordova and Sciolze. Porta was slowed by car set-up issues during the morning loop, allowing Paperini to establish control of the rally.

Behind the leaders, Elwis Chentre and Max Bay steadily worked their way forward in their Miele Škoda Fabia Rally2. A strong run, including the second-fastest time on the Cordova stage, promoted them into provisional second place ahead of Federico and Tatiana Santini.

The final three stages saw Porta recover after finding a better-balanced car, winning the final Sciolze test and reclaiming second overall. Chentre and Bay completed the podium in third, with the result moving the Aosta Valley driver to the top of the local standings.

Federico and Tatiana Santini finished fourth after maintaining a consistent pace throughout the rally. Andrea Grammatico and Mauro Carlevero secured fifth, followed by Francesco Aragno and Giancarla Guzzi in sixth.

Patrick Gagliasso and Dario Beltramo finished seventh overall, while Swiss pairing Sébastien Carron and Lucien Revaz claimed eighth. Cristiano Milano and Gloria Andreis placed ninth, with Bruno Godino and Pietro Catroppa completing an all-Škoda top ten.

The women's category was won by Michela Betassa and Simone Ravandoni in a Peugeot 106, while 65 crews reached the finish.

KEY POINTS

• Thomas Paperini and Monica Cicognini won the Rally di Castiglione Torinese 2026.

• The Power Group Škoda Fabia Rally2 crew won six of the eight special stages.

• Davide Porta led overnight before finishing second overall.

• Elwis Chentre and Max Bay completed the podium in third.

• Chentre moved to the top of the local championship standings.

• The rally celebrated its 10th edition.

• The event marked the halfway point of the Zone 1 Rally Cup.

• A new Lauriano special stage debuted on Saturday.

• The top ten overall was made up entirely of Škoda Fabias.

• Michela Betassa and Simone Ravandoni won the women's category.

• A total of 65 crews completed the rally.

QUOTE

"Thomas Paperini and Monica Cicognini controlled Sunday's stages to secure victory after winning six of the eight special tests at the Rally di Castiglione Torinese."