Antonio Zanini

Zanini’s success brought international credibility to Spanish rallying and inspired a new generation of Iberian drivers.

• Porsche 911 SC: Used to great effect during his 1980 ERC title campaign—balanced, powerful, and agile on mountain roads.
• Lancia 037 Rally: Competed with this Group B machine in the mid-1980s, especially in Mediterranean events.
• Ford Escort RS1800: Drove this trusted RWD platform earlier in the decade, securing several national victories.

Zanini’s ability to extract pace from both classic RWD machines and early Group B contenders showcased his technical adaptability.

Zanini drove with exceptional smoothness and tactical intelligence, particularly effective on the winding, high-grip roads of Spain and Italy. He understood the balance between speed and preservation, especially in long-distance ERC rallies. Though he never pursued a full WRC campaign, his regional dominance and influence on Spanish motorsport culture were profound. His legacy endures in the structure and popularity of Spain’s rally scene today.

Zanini was most often paired with co-driver Josep Autet, with whom he shared numerous championship victories. Their mutual trust and sharp pacenote execution gave them an edge on narrow European stages. Their teamwork was instrumental in securing titles and crafting a professional rallying model that would influence Spain’s motorsport development for years to come.