History 1970s

1978 Rallye de España (Spain)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1978 Rallye de España

Date: October 20–22, 1978

Host Country: Spain

Surface: Tarmac

FIA Cup Status: Round of the 1978 FIA Cup for Drivers

Total Distance: ~1,000 km

Total Starters: Approx. 75 crews

Total Finishers: N/A

Held on the twisty mountain and coastal roads of Catalonia, the 1978 Rallye de España served as a key round in the FIA Cup for Drivers. The event demanded precise driving and high-speed confidence through narrow Spanish tarmac. Antonio Zanini and Josep Autet, in their home event, delivered a polished and assertive drive in the Fiat 131 Abarth, claiming a popular and significant victory on the European rally scene.

Route

Montserrat & Tarragona Stages: Winding tarmac with limited runoff, requiring pinpoint accuracy and strong brakes.
Penedès Region: Vineyard-lined roads with short straights and rapid transitions between turns.
Night Loops: Darkness added challenge on unfamiliar roads with inconsistent lighting and variable grip.

Based in the Catalonia region, the rally featured a mix of coastal and inland mountain routes, filled with technical bends, fast sweepers, and dramatic elevation shifts.

Cool October weather provided generally dry but slick road conditions—favoring drivers with smooth technique and advanced pacenote preparation.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Antonio Zanini & Josep Autet · Fiat 131 Abarth
2nd Place
Salvador Cañellas & Daniel Ferrater · SEAT 1430
3rd Place
Jorge Babler & José Autet · Porsche 911

Zanini’s experience on Spanish roads and the Fiat’s well-tuned chassis gave them a decisive edge, leading to a celebrated national win and a major FIA Cup boost.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Twisty Layout: Endless curves tested concentration and braking rhythm over long stage loops.
  • Local Pressure: Hometown drivers faced high expectations, with little room for error in front of passionate fans.
  • Mixed Grip: Oil, dust, and leaves on the road surface made corner entries unpredictable.

The 1978 Rallye de España was a defining moment for Antonio Zanini—securing a dominant home victory and reinforcing his position among Europe’s top drivers in the FIA Cup.

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