The 2024 Europei Targa: A Championship of Two Halves

The 2024 Europei Targa, organized by Fitarco (the Italian Federation of Automobile and Motorcycle Clubs), featured 12 elite drivers battling across five stages in Sicily, Sardinia, and the Dolomites. The championship, which runs from May to October, is unique in motorsport: it blends historic rally cars (pre-1986 models) with modern Group A and GT3 machinery, all navigating Italy’s most iconic roads.

This year’s title was decided in dramatic fashion. After a fierce duel between Fabio Fabbri (driving a Lancia Delta Integrale) and Giandomenico Basso (in a Fiat Abarth 124 Rally), Fabbri secured victory by just 1.2 seconds in the final stage—a 100-kilometer sprint through Sicily’s Madonie Mountains. The margin was so tight that officials had to replay the finish line footage before confirming Fabbri’s win.

Why the Europei Targa’s Rai Sport Deal Is a Game-Changer

The partnership with Rai Sport marks a turning point for the Europei Targa. For decades, the championship has been a niche passion for Italian motorsport fans, but its broadcast debut on Italy’s largest sports network signals broader recognition. Here’s why it matters:

• Global Exposure: Rai Sport’s international feeds (available via Rai’s global platform) will introduce the Targa’s unique format—mixed-era rallies on historic routes—to audiences in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
• Heritage Meets Speed: Unlike WRC or WRC2, the Europei Targa’s blend of vintage and modern cars creates a one-of-a-kind spectacle. The 2024 lineup included a 1970s Alfa Romeo Alfetta alongside a 2020s Toyota GR Yaris Rally1, a contrast that drew comparisons to FIA’s historic rally initiatives.
• Tourism Boost: The stages—such as the Passo Rolle in the Dolomites—are already major draws for rally fans. Rai Sport’s coverage is expected to double visitor numbers to these remote locations, benefiting local economies.

Key Stat: The 2024 Europei Targa attracted over 50,000 spectators across stages, a 30% increase from 2023, according to Fitarco’s official report. The Rai Sport broadcast reached 1.2 million viewers in Italy alone.

Three Moments That Defined the 2024 Europei Targa

Stage 2: Sardinia’s “Devil’s Backbone”

A 60-kilometer loop through the Gennargentu Mountains became the championship’s first major shake-up. Giandomenico Basso led after Stage 1, but a mechanical issue with his Abarth’s differential cost him 47 seconds. His teammate Paolo Andreucci took advantage, jumping to second.

The Dolomites Disaster

Stage 3, held on July 6, was supposed to be a showcase for the Alfa Romeo 155 V6 drivers. Instead, heavy rain and fog reduced visibility to less than 50 meters in sections. Five cars retired, including Marco Conforti’s (a favorite) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI, which slid into a ravine. The stage was later reclassified as “cancelled” by Fitarco, and results were carried over from Stage 2.

The Sicilian Showdown

The final stage, held on July 13 at the Madonie Circuit, was a high-speed duel between Fabbri and Basso. With three kilometers to go, Basso’s Abarth’s turbocharger failed, allowing Fabbri to cross the line first by 1.2 seconds. The margin was so close that officials used radar data to verify the result.

By the Numbers: The Europei Targa’s Unique Appeal

Note: The increase in historic cars reflects Fitarco’s push to “preserve rallying’s soul”, as stated in their 2024 season briefing.

Why the Europei Targa’s Format Is Uniquely Challenging

Unlike WRC events, where drivers focus on asphalt speed, the Europei Targa demands adaptability. Here’s how the top drivers navigated the challenges:

• Mixed Surface Mastery: Stages included gravel, tarmac, and even cobblestones (e.g., the Strada Statale 20 in Liguria). Fabbri’s Lancia Delta Integrale was optimized for high-grip surfaces, while Basso’s Abarth excelled on loose gravel.
• Historical vs. Modern Tech: Drivers like Marco Conforti (Mitsubishi Evo) had to balance vintage suspension setups with modern GPS-assisted navigation. Conforti told reporters, “You can’t just trust your car—you have to trust the road’s memory.”
• Weather Gambles: The Dolomites stage was abandoned due to weather, forcing organizers to adjust the calendar—a rarity in motorsport.

Expert Take: Gianni Marini, a former WRC navigator, called the Europei Targa “the last true rally championship” in an interview with Motorsport.com. “It’s not about the fastest car—it’s about the driver who understands the soul of the road.”

From the Mille Miglia to Rai Sport: The Europei Targa’s Legacy

The Europei Targa traces its roots to the 1907 Targa Florio, one of motorsport’s oldest events. The modern championship, launched in 1975, was originally a one-make series for Fiat 124 Abarths. Over time, it evolved into a multi-class rally that celebrates Italy’s automotive heritage.

Key historical moments:

• 1982: The first non-Italian driver won (Swiss Walter Röhrl in a Lancia Rally 037).
• 1995: The championship adopted Group A regulations, aligning with WRC rules.
• 2020: Fitarco introduced a historic class, reviving pre-1986 cars.

The Rai Sport deal is part of a broader push to modernize the Targa without losing its identity. “We wanted to show the world that rallying isn’t just about speed—it’s about stories,” said Fitarco President Luca Bertelli in a pre-season press conference.

Who Benefits from the Europei Targa’s Rise?

The Future: More Stages, More Cars, More Rai Sport

For 2025, Fitarco has announced:

• A sixth stage in Tuscany, adding the Carrara Marble Quarries as a new challenge.
• Expanded GT3 class participation, with Ferrari and Lamborghini expected to enter.
• A dedicated Rai Sport documentary series on the Targa’s history, premiering in September.

The next Europei Targa stage is scheduled for August 10–11 in the Dolomites, with Fabio Fabbri aiming to defend his title. Rai Sport will broadcast live from 14:00 UTC (16:00 CEST).