Andrea Crugnola and Pietro Elia Ometto triumph again in CIAR 2024
Andrea Crugnola and Pietro Elia Ometto have once again proven themselves as the kings of Italian rallying, claiming their fourth Italian Rally Championship title with a commanding win at the 47th Rally 1000 Miglia. This victory not only marked their fifth triumph of the 2024 season but also sealed their third consecutive national championship, cementing their place in rally history as one of the most successful driver-co-driver pairings of their generation.
Dominating the 1000 Miglia Rally
Competing in the Citroën C3 Rally2 under the FPF Sport team, Crugnola and Ometto showcased their relentless determination by winning 8 out of the 11 special stages across the 100 kilometers of asphalt in the Brescia region. Their performance was flawless from start to finish, with highlights including a dominant victory in the Power Stage and an impressive display on the night-time “Pertiche” stage. These achievements not only sealed the championship but also solidified their status among Italy’s rally legends.
The perfect partnership on and off the track
Andrea Crugnola and Pietro Elia Ometto’s synergy on the rally stages has been integral to their success. Both are key instructors at the Vittorio Caneva Rally School, where Crugnola leads the Advanced Rally Course and PRO Rally Coaching on tarmac and gravel stages. His precision driving and expertise are available to aspiring drivers worldwide. Ometto, a master co-driver, teaches the Codrivers Rally Courses, offering both in-person and online classes, sharing his wealth of experience in the art of pacenotes and navigation.
Their success in the 2024 season, particularly at the Rally 1000 Miglia, underscores the value of experience, preparation, and teamwork. As instructors, they bring the same level of professionalism and excellence that they demonstrate on the rally stages to their students, making them invaluable mentors at the Vittorio Caneva Rally School.
A championship decided before the final round
Despite fierce competition from Simone Campedelli and Tania Canton in the Skoda Fabia RS, Crugnola and Ometto maintained their advantage throughout the season. Their nearest rivals finished the 1000 Miglia 23.7 seconds behind, confirming the dominance of Crugnola and Ometto. This victory has placed the pair on par with rally greats like Arnaldo Cavallari and Giandomenico Basso, with only Dario Cerrato and Paolo Andreucci holding more titles in the Italian Rally Championship’s storied history.
Crugnola and Ometto’s relentless pursuit of perfection on every stage, combined with their vast knowledge and skill, not only secured their fourth title but also set a standard that future competitors will strive to match. Their ability to balance driving and co-driving roles with their responsibilities as top-tier instructors exemplifies their commitment to the sport.
Looking ahead
With their fourth Italian title in the bag, Crugnola and Ometto now have their sights set on further challenges and continued success. As they prepare for the next stages of their careers, both in competition and as mentors, their legacy in Italian and international rallying continues to grow. At Vittorio Caneva Rally School, their experience is shaping the next generation of rally champions, ensuring that their expertise will have a lasting impact on the sport for years to come.
As 2024 draws to a close, the rally world watches with excitement to see where these two masters of the sport will steer their careers next—whether it’s clinching more titles or guiding young talents to success, Crugnola and Ometto’s story is far from over.
Cover photo: Rally di Roma Capitale | Andrea Crugnola
