A double challenge awaits MS Munaretto, with four entries at the Rally del Ciocco, one of Tuscany’s most prestigious events, and a lone flagbearer set to take on the Vigneti Monferrini Rally.
It will be an intense weekend for MS Munaretto, competing in both the Italian Rally Championship (CIAR) and the Vigneti Monferrini Rally. With a strong four-driver international lineup tackling the Tuscan roads, the team will also support a sole contender looking to make an impact in Piedmont.
Among the Italian Rally Championship competitors taking on the Garfagnana asphalt will be Slovenian driver Bostjan Avbelj, eager for redemption after an unlucky 2024 edition. Behind the wheel of a Škoda Fabia RS Rally2, he will once again be accompanied by his trusted co-driver Damijan Andrejka.
Joining him at the start line is Finnish driver Tuukka Kauppinen, who, in addition to his continental commitments, has also embraced the Italian challenge, kicking off his campaign at the Rally del Ciocco. Driving a Peugeot 208 Rally4, wearing number 31, he will be guided by co-driver Veli-Pekka Karttunen.
In the CRZ (Coppa Rally di Zona), gentleman driver Pierangelo Villa will also represent MS Munaretto, leaving behind the Renault Clio S1600 he raced last season and returning to the cockpit of a Škoda Fabia Rally2 Evo, with experienced co-driver Andrea Sarti calling the notes.
Also taking on the Tuscan tarmac is Estonian driver Jaspar Vaher, making his Italian debut before heading into the IRCup. Competing with car number 117, alongside Rait Jansen, he will be at the wheel of a Peugeot 208 Rally4.
The 2025 Rally del Ciocco will feature 11 special stages split over two legs, covering a total of 103.6 km of timed sections. The Italian Rally Championship will officially start with the Opening Ceremony in Viareggio on Friday evening, March 21, with the event concluding in Castelnuovo di Garfagnana on Sunday, March 23.
The Coppa Rally di Zona version will follow the CIAR route only on Saturday, March 22, starting and finishing in Lucca.
Also approaching is the 8th Rally Vigneti Monferrini, organized by VM Motor Team and Race Motorsport Italia. After making his debut in Lombardy, Canelli-native Jacopo Araldo is ready for his second event of the season, competing among the vineyards of his home region. He will once again team up with his trusted co-driver Lorena Boero.
The city of Canelli will set the stage for the competition on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 March, with 106 crews at the start. At the wheel of a Škoda Fabia RS Rally2, Araldo is prepared to tackle 66.9 km across eight special stages selected for the event.
