The Monza Rally Show is making a highly-anticipated return this year, promising an exciting lineup of World Rally Championship teams and drivers at the iconic Italian circuit. This year’s event will mark a special occasion as it celebrates Pirelli’s four-year tenure as the WRC’s sole tyre supplier. Looking ahead to the future, the championship is gearing up to welcome Korean tyre manufacturer Hankook as its control tyre starting from the next season.
Pirelli, in collaboration with the WRC Promoter, the FIA, and the Monza circuit, will be hosting the event from December 6-8. The event is set to feature top teams including Toyota, Hyundai, and M-Sport-Ford showcasing their Rally1 machines. These powerful vehicles will be taking on demonstration runs on stages constructed within the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix venue on Friday and Saturday before participating in the highly-anticipated Master Show on Sunday. The full roster of drivers expected to compete is yet to be announced.
The Monza Rally Show has a rich history, dating back to its inception in 1978. Over the years, the event has drawn in some of rallying’s biggest names, making it a must-attend for fans of the sport. Notably, MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi holds the record for the most wins at the event, with an impressive seven victories under his belt.
In addition to the Rally1 machines, Rally2 cars will also be taking to the track, tackling eight special stages designed to test the skills of the drivers. The inclusion of these cars adds another layer of excitement to the event, providing spectators with a diverse range of rallying action to enjoy.
Monza has previously hosted the final round of the WRC during the challenging COVID-19 impacted seasons of 2020 and 2021. Toyota’s Sebastien Ogier emerged victorious in both editions, clinching his seventh and eighth WRC titles in the process. The return of the championship to Monza holds special significance for Pirelli, as Terenzio Testoni, Rally Activity Manager of the company, expressed, “We are delighted to bring the world rally championship back to Monza, which we consider our home. For us, it will be an opportunity to look back at our time as the sole supplier to the WRC, during which we learned a great deal.”
Giuseppe Redaelli, the chairman of Autodromo Nazionale Monza, echoed the sentiment, stating, “The return of the Monza Rally Show is the best way to end the 2024 season. It will be a great pleasure to celebrate Pirelli alongside the WRC champions and the great stars of Italian, European, and World rallying on a completely renovated circuit ready to offer a spectacular show.”
As anticipation builds for the revamped Monza Rally Show, fans can look forward to witnessing top-tier rallying action, featuring some of the sport’s most renowned drivers and teams. With an array of exciting events and races lined up, the stage is set for a thrilling and unforgettable experience at this iconic Italian circuit. Rally enthusiasts from around the world are sure to be captivated by the high-speed action and competitive spirit that the Monza Rally Show promises to deliver.
