Italian crew Matteo Bernini and Lorenzo Mattucci in a Škoda Fabia Rally2 drove a flawless weekend in Zagorje, claiming a decisive victory without real competition at the landmark 15th MOTUL Rally Kumrovec!
Bernini and Mattucci set the fastest times on all eight special stages, reaching the ceremonial finish at the “Staro Selo” Museum with more than a two-minute advantage over the second-placed Austrian crew Maximilian Lichtenegger – Bernhard Ettel in a Renault Clio Rally3.
With this victory and the points earned in Kumrovec, the Italian duo successfully defended last year’s Croatian Rally Championship title – fully three months before Bernini’s 18th birthday! The young Italian proved in Zagorje not only that he is currently too fast for the competition in the Croatian Championship, but also that he is ready for a major step forward in his career. Potential international series appearances are already being carefully considered, with the European Rally Championship (ERC) as the logical next step, followed by the ultimate stage – the World Rally Championship (WRC).
Exciting Battles for the Podium and Drama on the Final Stage
Third place overall was secured by Slovenian representatives Simon Rončel and Klara Slejko in a Peugeot 208 Rally4, finishing more than six and a half minutes behind the winners while taking top honors in the two-wheel-drive (2WD) category.
The heartbreak of this year’s edition unfortunately belonged to their compatriots, Mitja Glasenčnik and Matej Pistotnik. In their Hyundai i20 N Rally2, they held a firm grip on second place throughout the first day and most of the second, but a retirement on the final special stage (Zagorska Sela – Kumrovec 3) robbed them of an almost guaranteed podium finish.
Lončarić and Vojvodić Top Croatian Crew
The title of the fastest local crew and a fantastic fourth place overall went to Nenad Lončarić and Tajana Vojvodić Pinky in their eye-catching Subaru Impreza WRX STi, delighting numerous fans along the route.
The 15th milestone edition of MOTUL Rally Kumrovec unfolded under warm, sunny weather alongside top-tier organization by Auto Club Delta Sport. Thousands of spectators lining the special stages created yet another unforgettable atmosphere on the Zagorje hills!
RESULTS
