27.04.2019

On the occasion of the victory of Tony Fassina 40 years ago in Sanremo, the brothers Borgogno and the brothers Maiga organized a Lancia Stratos meeting in the course of this year’s Rally Sanremo.

As Lancia Stratos fan a must – visit, where 10 hours by car are no obstacle at all…

2 weeks before: the hotel was booked – the program was downloaded – the countdown was on …Departure on Wednesday 10.04. at 5am in the morning – arrival at 15.00 clock in the colorful Sanremo – paddock right on the sea – the tension rose …

The next morning light drizzle – protective covers were pulled over the cameras and off to the paddock to take the first pictures of vehicles of the Sanremo Rally Storico – the arrival of the Lancia Stratos was announced for 4pm – but at 3pm the wait had already come to an end – the first vehicles arrived. From 4pm on it was strike upon strike – the first engines were started and the unmistakable sound pierced marrow and bone. Me with all my camera gear in the middle of action – pure goosebumps feeling included.

The next morning at 10:15am, the Lancia Stratos were waiting in front of the casino for me to drive over this year’s route of the Sanremo Rally. All 20 vehicles drove past me from the launch pad – a perfect backdrop for various photos.

The return took place at around 4pm with subsequent vehicle presentation in the old town, where I was again on the watch. Here, Erik Comas became aware of me and gave me his business card with the request to send him my photos.

Unfortunately I could not attend the evening gala dinner in the casino with many guests of honor – I had actually forgotten my tuxedo …. ;-)

On Saturday morning, I set off in bright sunshine by car in the 929 m high situated San Romolo – to wait there in light rain and fog on the Lancia Stratos pack. After an hour delay I finally heard the roar of the engines – the wait had been worthwhile. Then I followed the vehicles into the parking lot of the restaurant Dall’Ava to make some partial mystical fog pictures at the end of the meeting.

It is incredible how fast 3 days passed by, but the effort was totally worth it – nothing to regret. The myth Lancia Stratos is alive and I was allowed to experience this myth in Sanremo and could even capture it with my camera. Wherever the next Lancia Stratos World Meeting will take place – I will be there. 

Report and photos by RS65photos.com