Antonio Zanini

Zanini’s European title in 1980 marked the peak of his international career, while his dominance in Spain made him a motorsport icon. He was widely respected for his approach to preparation and ability to handle pressure.

• Fiat 131 Abarth: His primary car during his European Championship campaign, known for its power and reliability on mixed surfaces.
• Porsche 911: Used with great success in national events and tarmac-heavy rallies during the mid-1970s.
• SEAT 124: Piloted during his early years, symbolizing the rise of Spanish rally engineering and local competition.

Zanini made the most of his machinery, working closely with SEAT and Fiat engineers to optimize performance across Spain’s unique blend of gravel and tarmac. His car control on winding mountain roads was second to none.

Zanini was smooth, confident, and strategically minded. He had a deep understanding of how to read road surfaces and adjust mid-stage, which helped him thrive on unpredictable routes. His calm demeanor and technical feedback made him a natural leader. Zanini’s legacy includes not only his record-setting championship runs, but also his influence on Spanish motorsport, mentoring younger drivers and promoting rally culture across the country.

Zanini formed strong co-driver partnerships, including with Josep Autet, who played a crucial role in his European title run. Their chemistry and detailed pacenote execution gave them an edge on unfamiliar international stages. Zanini’s professionalism extended to his entire team, and he was known for fostering a supportive and well-organized rally environment — a key factor in his long-term success.