16th Rally Porta del Gargano Set to Decide Coppa Rally Zona 8 Title in Vieste

The 16th Rally Porta del Gargano – 6th Trofeo Città di Vieste was officially presented at Vieste City Hall, marking the final stage of the Coppa Rally ACI Sport Zona 8 calendar. Organised by ASD Piloti Sipontini, the regional rally championship covers seven Italian regions: Abruzzo, Molise, Lazio, Campania, Puglia, Basilicata, and Calabria.

The competitive route spans a total of 264.65 km, featuring 11 special stages that combine for 66.04 timed kilometres. In addition to Vieste, the route passes through the municipalities of Peschici, Rodi Garganico, San Menaio, and Vico del Gargano. Marina Piccola in Vieste will host the start, finish, and regrouping areas, accompanied by Saturday evening entertainment to engage spectators around the harbor's spectator stage.

The championship standings remain open ahead of the finale, with Emanuele Giannetti holding a seven-point lead in Zona 8 over Riccardo Di Iuorio. Both title contenders face tough opposition from seasoned competitors entered in Skoda Fabia Rally2 machinery, including Manfredonia's Giuseppe Bergantino—a five-time consecutive winner of the event—as well as Stefano Liburdi and Campionato Italiano Assoluto Rally entrant Davide Porta.

On-track running begins on Saturday with shakedown along the Passo dell’Arciprete from 09:30 to 13:00. The rally officially starts from Marina Piccola at 16:00, with the tourist port super special stage commencing at 16:15 before an evening regroup at 19:00. Action resumes on Sunday at 09:00 across a two-loop circuit through Peschici, Rodi Garganico, San Menaio, and Vico del Gargano, with the final podium scheduled in Vieste at 18:30.