Three crews under the MS Munaretto banner to contest Rally Regione Piemonte, marking the adrenaline-fuelled debut of the brand-new Lancia Ypsilon Rally4. Also not to be missed is the team’s presence at the Paganella Rally with two strong line-ups ready to impress.
It’s set to be another action-packed weekend for MS Munaretto, poised to play a leading role on two highly competitive rallying fronts. On one side, the prestigious Rally Regione Piemonte, second round of the CIAR Sparco 2024, taking place from 11 to 13 April on the iconic asphalt roads of the Langhe hills. On the other, the Paganella Rally, the setting for fresh challenges amidst the scenic roads of the Trentino region’s Val di Non.
Triple threat for MS Munaretto in the heart of the Langhe
A high-profile presence is guaranteed for the Schio-based squad in the 19th running of the Rally Regione Piemonte, organised by Cinzano Rally Team. Three crews will line up under the MS Munaretto colours, led by Bostjan Avbelj, winner of the Promotion category at the Ciocco, once again alongside co-driver Damijan Andrejka. The Slovenian pairing, aboard their ever-reliable Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 bearing number 3, will aim to build on their dominant performance in Tuscany, taking on 13 special stages covering 112.80 competitive kilometres within a total route of 495.70 km.
Lancia returns in style: the official debut of the Ypsilon Rally4
One of the most anticipated moments of the entire season will also unfold in the Langhe: the official competition debut of the Lancia Ypsilon Rally4 HF, a car poised to reshape the Two-Wheel Drive category with its cutting-edge technology. MS Munaretto will take centre stage in this historic return, fielding two examples of the latest creation from Stellantis Motorsport.
First to fly the flag will be young Finnish talent Tuukka Kauppinen, fresh from his tarmac outing at Rally Sierra Morena, now joined in the cockpit by Veli-Pekka Karttunen. After starting the season in a Peugeot, Kauppinen will take to the wheel of the Ypsilon Rally4 for the very first time, with number 28 on the doors.
The second Ypsilon will be piloted by Michele Griso, coming off a class win in Rally4/R2 at Rally Valle del Tevere, with Nicolò Lazzarini calling the notes. It will also be the duo’s debut with the new Lancia, running under number 95.
MS Munaretto heads to the Paganella Rally: two crews ready to leave their mark on Trentino’s mountain roads
MS Munaretto’s competitive weekend doesn’t end in Piedmont. The team will also be in action in the Paganella Rally, which forms part of the CRZ (Zona 4 Rally Cup), offering a demanding route of 65.26 timed kilometres across 7 special stages. Here too, the squad will be represented by two capable crews, both driving the Škoda Fabia RS Rally2.
Leading the Trentino charge will be Diego Zantedeschi and Stefano Righetti, a well-synchronised duo fresh off a top-ten overall finish at Rally del Bardolino. With that confidence boost, they now aim to push even further on the challenging roads of Val di Non, seeking valuable points for the CRZ standings.
Joining them is Michele Sambugaro, making his seasonal debut in 2025, choosing Paganella as the launchpad for his new campaign. He’ll once again be partnered by the experienced Mauro Cumerlato, with whom he shares a solid rallying background aboard the Fabia.
