VALLI OSSOLANE SET TO IGNITE 2026 ITALIAN RALLY CHALLENGER BATTLE

More Than 100 Crews Enter Historic Ossola Rally as Championship Contenders Prepare for Round Two

The 2026 Italian Rally Challenger Championship returns to action this weekend at the 62nd Rally Valli Ossolane, where more than 100 crews are set to tackle one of Italy’s most prestigious asphalt rallies.

Based in Domodossola and running on June 13-14, the event marks the second round of the national series and promises an intense battle across nearly 100 kilometres of special stages in the Verbano-Cusio-Ossola region. With a highly competitive entry list, international participation, and passionate local support, Rally Valli Ossolane is once again expected to deliver one of the highlights of the Challenger season.

SIGNOR, DIPALMA LEAD CHALLENGER TITLE FIGHT

The battle for Italian Rally Challenger honours intensifies following a closely contested opening round at Rally Coppa Valtellina.

Driving a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, Marco Signor and co-driver Daniele Michi will start with car number one. The EASI-backed crew secured second place and valuable Power Stage points in the championship opener and arrive in Ossola aiming to challenge for the championship lead.

Current series leader Giò Dipalma enters the rally with confidence after claiming victory in Valtellina. The Spot Up driver will be partnered by experienced co-driver Roberto Mometti aboard a Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 and will be looking to strengthen his position at the top of the standings.

Among the strongest challengers is Alessandro Re, joined by Daniel Pozzi in another Škoda Fabia RS Rally2. The FP Sport crew followed a podium finish in Valtellina with victory at Rally della Valle Intelvi and will be among the favourites this weekend.

PINZANO SEEKS REDEMPTION, GILL MAKES CHALLENGER DEBUT

Corrado Pinzano and Mauro Turati return to a rally that ended in disappointment for them last season. After an error forced retirement in 2025, the New Drivers Team crew will be targeting a stronger result aboard their PA Racing-prepared Škoda Fabia RS Rally2.

Simone Miele, partnered by reigning TIR champion Andrea Sassi, is another driver hoping to improve on previous performances at the event. The Bluthunder-supported crew arrives after finishing sixth in Valtellina and will be aiming for a place among the frontrunners.

One of the most anticipated entries is Australian driver Taylor Gill. The WRC2 competitor will make his Italian Rally Challenger debut alongside Daniel Brkick in a Citroën C3 Rally2. The event offers Gill an opportunity to gain experience against some of Italy’s fastest asphalt specialists.

Additional championship contenders include Flavio Brega and Sauro Farnocchia, as well as Max Locatelli and Stefano Tiraboschi, both crews campaigning Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 machinery.

OVER55 CATEGORY ADDS EXPERIENCE TO THE FIELD

The Challenger Over55 category brings together several experienced competitors, including Maurizio Mauri and daughter Federica Mauri in a PA Racing Škoda.

Elio Minetti and Maurizio Bortolotti will also challenge for category honours, while Gianluigi Niboli and Manuel Fenoli complete a strong field of experienced contenders.

EIGHT-CAR BATTLE EXPECTED IN TWO-WHEEL-DRIVE CLASS

A highly competitive fight is expected in the Challenger Two-Wheel-Drive category, where eight Rally4 crews will battle for victory.

Championship leader Nicolò Ardizzone and co-driver Alessandro Scartabelli arrive with momentum but face strong opposition from local driver Igor Iani and Paolo Urban. Both crews will compete in Lancia Ypsilon Rally4 machinery.

Kim Daldini and Pietro D’Agostino enter aboard a Peugeot 208 Rally4, while Alessandro Corsini and Tiziano Pieri continue their campaign after a promising fourth-place finish in Valtellina.

The Ossola event also marks the season debut of Andrea Spataro and Marco Bergonzi, as well as Giovanni Ceccato and Enrico Bracchi, adding further depth to the category.

RALLY5 AND RALLY3 CLASSES COMPLETE THE ENTRY LIST

Three Renault Clio Rally5 crews will contest the Rally5 category, with championship leaders Barri-Franzi facing challenges from Caliaro-Andrian and Cirio-Guzzi.

In the Rally3 category, Roncadori-Silvi will compete as the sole entry.

KEY POINTS

• Rally Valli Ossolane hosts Round 2 of the 2026 Italian Rally Challenger Championship.

• More than 100 crews are entered for the historic asphalt event.

• Championship leader Giò Dipalma arrives after victory in Rally Coppa Valtellina.

• Marco Signor aims to close the championship gap aboard a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2.

• WRC2 competitor Taylor Gill makes his Italian Rally Challenger debut.

• Nearly 100 kilometres of special stages await competitors across the Ossola region.

QUOTES

“Rally Valli Ossolane is shaping up to be one of the most competitive events of the Italian Rally Challenger season, with a deep Rally2 field and several championship contenders capable of fighting for victory.”

“The arrival of WRC2 driver Taylor Gill adds an international dimension to an already highly competitive entry list.”

“With more than 100 crews entered and passionate local support expected throughout the weekend, the Ossola stages are set to provide a major test for title contenders.”