Get ready, because the iconic Memorial Bettega is finally coming back. As Motorsport.com Italia reports, the legendary knockout battle that defined the glory days of the Bologna Motorshow is heading to Rallylegend for the very first time. Sunday, October 11, marks the final day of the event in San Marino, and it is when sixteen cars will square off in a head-to-head elimination format on the special stage named “The Legend”.
The layout has been adapted into a 2.88 km route covering two full laps. The action is divided neatly across four classes: WRC, Group B, Trofeo Group A, and Rally2. Sunday's schedule packs a massive punch, kicking off with the Group A semi-finals and finals running from 12:00 to 12:55. That is followed by Group B from 13:00 to 13:55, and the WRC showdown from 14:00 to 14:55, leading straight into the podium celebrations at 16:30 at the Rallylegend Village.
Now, look at the Group A entry list—it is an absolute masterpiece of rally heritage. We are talking about Piero Liatti in a Subaru Impreza Gruppo A, Gustavo Trelles in a Subaru Impreza, Andrea Aghini in a Lancia Delta Integrale, and Andrea Navarra in a Subaru Legacy. Joining them are Franco Cunico in a Ford Sierra Cosworth 4x4, Piero Longhi in a Toyota Celica, Armin Schwarz in a Toyota Celica ST165, and Raul Marchisio in a Lancia Delta Integrale, alongside four Rally2 machines. Over in the WRC category, Dani Sordo and Martiņš Sesks will trade their Legend Stars duties for the brutal intensity of the knockout battle.
There is also a deeply emotional core to this year's Group A proceedings. The event will pay a special tribute to Alex Fiorio, the champion who recently passed away. Son of Cesare Fiorio—the legendary sporting director for Fiat, Lancia, and Ferrari—Alex claimed the Group N world title in 1987 in a Lancia Delta HF 4WD and took runner-up in 1989 behind Miki Biasion. Rallylegend is honoring his memory by having some of his most famous competition cars parade before the knockout fights begin.
This incredible revival has been made possible through a partnership with BolognaFiere, bringing back the historic Motorshow branding. Once the dust settles in San Marino, the star cars from the Memorial will head to Bologna to be exhibited at Auto e Moto d’Epoca.
Security has also been ramped up massively for 2026, featuring a 30 percent increase in control personnel and a 30 percent boost in video surveillance points equipped with body cams. Add in cutting-edge thermal drones for night vision, a strengthened Control Room, and a more robust data network, and the stage is set for a massive celebration of rally history.
