History 1960s

1965 Rallye dei Fiori

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

The 5th Rallye dei Fiori, held in late February 1965, brought rallying back to the scenic Ligurian coast. Based in Sanremo, the event featured a demanding mix of coastal asphalt and inland gravel roads. Though not yet part of the WRC, the rally was an important fixture in the European calendar, testing tire management, rhythm, and pace note precision in rapidly changing conditions.

Event Name: 1965 Rallye dei Fiori

Date: February 25–28, 1965

Start/Finish Location: Sanremo, Italy

Total Distance: Approximately 1,000 km (50.6 km of special stages)

Participating Teams: Over 80 crews

Route

Sanremo–Ospedaletti: Fast tarmac roads hugging the Mediterranean coastline with technical rhythm sections.
Taggia Pass: Gravel mountain climb with tight hairpins and blind crests.
Monte Bignone Loop: A challenging ascent with rapid surface changes and narrow drop-off margins.

The rally route offered sharp elevation changes and a mix of dry and damp surfaces:

Stage transitions demanded tire strategy and precise co-driver communication through the Ligurian hinterlands.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
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2nd Place
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3rd Place
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Navigation & Challenges

From weather changes to deceptive gradients, the rally pushed co-driver performance and car balance to the limit:

  • Surface Changes: Abrupt shifts between coastal tarmac and mountainous gravel demanded split-second adjustments.
  • Early Spring Conditions: Intermittent rain and early-season debris added risk in shaded corners.
  • Road Width: Narrow, winding village roads and cliffside climbs required pinpoint navigation and focus.

The 1965 Rallye dei Fiori cemented Sanremo’s status as a proving ground for European rally talent in pre-WRC competition.

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