History 1970s

1979 Rallye Sanremo (Italy)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 21º Rallye Sanremo

Date: October 1–7, 1979

Host Country: Italy

Surface: Mixed Tarmac / Gravel

Total Distance: ~1,850 km

Total Starters: Approx. 100 crews

Total Finishers: 36 crews

The 1979 Rallye Sanremo was a classic Italian battleground, challenging drivers with a blend of rough gravel climbs and tight coastal tarmac. Known for its unpredictable transitions and beautiful yet brutal terrain, it tested adaptability and endurance. Antonio “Tony” Fassina, driving a privateer Lancia Stratos HF with co-driver Mauro Mannini, shocked the factory teams with a commanding win—one of the most memorable privateer victories in WRC history.

Route

Dolceacqua & Bajardo: Gravel-heavy mountain roads with tight switchbacks and exposed drops.
Colle d’Oggia & Passo Teglia: Mixed-surface stages requiring rapid tire and setup adjustments.
Coastal Loops: Narrow tarmac routes with scenic views and dangerous cliffs.

Based in Sanremo on the Italian Riviera, the rally featured rugged inland mountain loops and asphalt stages carved into the coastline, with surface changes often within the same stage.

Autumn rains occasionally hit the higher elevations, creating slick gravel and muddy transitions, adding unpredictability to an already complex rally.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Antonio “Tony” Fassina & Mauro Mannini · Lancia Stratos HF
2nd Place
Markku Alén & Ilkka Kivimäki · Fiat 131 Abarth
3rd Place
Hannu Mikkola & Arne Hertz · Ford Escort RS1800

Fassina’s composed performance stunned the factory-backed teams, delivering the Lancia Stratos its final WRC victory in grand fashion.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Surface Changes: Frequent transitions required careful setup compromises and quick driving adjustments.
  • Weather Variability: Rain in upper stages caused grip issues, while lower tarmac stayed dry and fast.
  • Privateer Pressure: Fassina had to outperform full-factory efforts without backup or service parity—a true underdog victory.

The 1979 Rallye Sanremo remains a legendary rally—Fassina’s drive marked the end of an era for the Stratos and proved that brilliance behind the wheel could still overcome factory dominance.

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