San Martino di Castrozza International Rally

A legendary rally in the heart of the Dolomites

The San Martino di Castrozza International Rally is one of the most prestigious and long-standing automotive competitions in Trentino-Alto Adige. The race takes place on the roads of the San Martino di Castrozza district, part of the municipality of Primiero San Martino di Castrozza, in the Province of Trento, at the foot of the famous Pale di San Martino. Organized by the San Martino Corse association, the event attracts over a hundred crews every year and a large crowd of enthusiasts who flock to the hairpin bends and scenic viewpoints along the route.

A history dating back to 1964

The first edition of the rally dates back to 1964, when two enthusiasts, lawyer Luigi Stochino and Count Pietro Bovio, had the idea of bringing a discipline that was then almost unknown in Italy to the Dolomites. The race quickly grew in prestige, gaining validity for the Italian Championship, then the European Championship, and finally the World Championship in 1977. After a period of interruption, the event was re-founded in 1995 by the San Martino Corse group, which has continued to run it ever since, making it a permanent fixture on the national rally calendar.

The format: modern and historic

The event is divided into two complementary souls. On one hand, the modern race, valid for the Zone 4 Rally Cup and included in the International Rally Cup since 2025, which features the fastest Rally2 cars like the Škoda Fabia RS and the Hyundai i20 N. On the other, the Historique Rally, dedicated to vintage competition cars, which brings excitement and nostalgia to fans of historic motoring.

The route and special stages

The route winds through the villages and mountains of Primiero and Vanoi, with three timed special stages that have become classics: the Manghen, the Malene, and the Gobbera. The spectacular city stage in the center of San Martino di Castrozza opens the race on Friday evening, while Saturday is dedicated to the timed passages that decide the final standings, covering a total of over 330 kilometers.

An event for the territory

Beyond the competitive aspect, the San Martino Rally is a driver of tourism for the entire Primiero valley. The race enlivens the beginning of summer, bringing visitors, media, and enthusiasts to one of the most evocative locations in Trentino, where motorsport merges with the breathtaking scenery of the UNESCO-listed Dolomites.