History 1970s

1978 Rally Costa Smeralda (Italy)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1978 Rally Costa Smeralda

Date: April 13–14, 1978

Host Country: Italy

Surface: Gravel

Total Distance: ~500 km

Total Starters: Approx. 60 crews

Total Finishers: N/A

Held on the picturesque but demanding roads of Sardinia’s northeastern coast, the 1978 Rally Costa Smeralda was a showcase of Mediterranean gravel rallying. Tony Carello and co-driver Pietro Sodano excelled in the rocky, dusty terrain—putting their Opel Kadett GT/E through a controlled, consistent drive to outpace a competitive Italian field and claim victory on home soil.

Route

Gallura Region: Fast, dusty gravel roads lined with brush and granite outcrops.
Arzachena and Palau Stages: Tight, twisty sections with sharp corners and loose surface grip.
Hilly Inland Stages: Quick transitions between climbs and descents with exposed rocks and occasional washouts.

Based in the Costa Smeralda region of Sardinia, the rally's stages featured rugged trails along the coastline and into the mountainous inland, with narrow roads, loose rock, and dramatic elevation changes.

Clear skies and dry spring weather made for ideal rallying conditions, though thick dust created visibility problems for cars running mid-pack and beyond.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Tony Carello & Pietro Sodano · Opel Kadett GT/E
2nd Place
Adartico Vudafieri & Luigi Pirollo · Fiat 131 Abarth
3rd Place
Antonio Fassina & Mauro Mannini · Lancia Stratos HF

Carello’s measured aggression and the Kadett’s responsive handling allowed the pair to stay ahead of faster but less consistent rivals in one of Italy’s rising gravel events.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Loose Surface: Sardinian gravel varied from compact to deep and dusty—demanding constant steering correction.
  • Visibility Issues: Thick dust clouds created major challenges for following crews, especially in the afternoon stages.
  • Stone Damage: Sharp rocks risked tire punctures and suspension damage throughout the rally.

The 1978 Rally Costa Smeralda offered a scenic but punishing test of control and durability—Tony Carello’s win firmly established the event as a cornerstone of the Italian rally calendar.

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