The Costa Brava Motul Rally Returns too its Traditional Slot
The iconic Costa Brava Motul Rally is gearing up for its 70th edition, reclaiming its customary spot on the motorsport calendar. Starting next week, the rally will transform Girona and fornells de la Selva into bustling hubs of activity, marking the commencement of the European, Spanish, and Catalan ancient rally championships.
With a remarkable 181 teams registered, the event promises thrilling competition across Speed, Regularity, and Legend categories. Motorsport enthusiasts can anticipate witnessing renowned names like Salvador Servià, Xavi Lorza, Marco Verdelli, and Jean François Berenguer battling it out on the track.
Recognizing the growing presence of women in motorsport, RallyClassics has launched the MotorDona program. This initiative aims to empower women not only as drivers and co-drivers but also in organizational roles within the sport.
Girona Sets the Stage for an Epic Rally
The rally kicks off on Thursday, March 17th, in Girona. The city will host the scrutineering process and the official start ceremony at 6:30 PM, taking place in the secure car park near the Pedret bridge roundabout.
The assistance park, conveniently located in the fornells estate, will remain at its familiar location from the previous edition. Adding to the excitement, Fornells will host the Motul Zone, featuring a SEAT pedal car circuit, driving simulators, live music, and children’s entertainment on March 18th and 19th.
A Challenging Route Awaits Competitors
The rally will challenge participants with 12 special stages, six of which are unique, covering a total of 155 timed kilometers. The Àngels, Santa Pellaia, and La Ganga stages will take place on March 18th, followed by the Osor, Collsaplana, and Cladells stages on Saturday, March 19th. The grand finale will culminate in Pedret on March 20th.
From Co-driver to Commentator: A Chat with Legendary Navigator, Catalina Palau
The iconic Costa Brava Motul Rally roars back to life this week, marking its 70th anniversary and its return to its customary slot on the motorsport calendar. We’re thrilled to be joined today by Catalina Palau, a three-time Spanish Rally Champion and veteran navigator with an impressive 15 Costa Brava rallies under her belt.
Catalina, welcome! It’s an honor to have you with us.
Catalina Palau: Thank you so much for having me. It’s wonderful to see the Costa Brava Rally back where it belongs – a true celebration of motorsport heritage.
Absolutely. This yearS event promises to be electrifying with a record 181 teams registered. What are your initial thoughts on such a strong field?
Catalina: It’s fantastic to see such a diverse and competitive field. From seasoned veterans like Salvador Servià and Xavi lorza to rising stars, the competition is going to be fierce. I’m especially excited to see how the younger generation fares against these legends.
There’s a significant focus on inclusivity with the launch of the MotorDona program this year, aiming to empower women within motorsport. How vital is this initiative, in your opinion?
Catalina: This is long overdue and incredibly important. Motorsport has historically been a male-dominated field, but things are slowly changing. Initiatives like MotorDona are vital for encouraging more women to participate, not just as drivers and co-drivers, but also in key organizational roles. We need more female voices in every aspect of the sport.
The rally features a blend of classic and new stages this year. Can you shed some light on the challenges these stages pose for the competitors?
catalina: The Costa brava is renowned for its technical and demanding stages. The “Àngels,” “Santa Pellaia,” and “La Ganga” stages, such as, are notoriously tricky with their tight corners and sudden changes in elevation. But the introduction of new stages adds an element of surprise and tests the drivers’ adaptability. It’ll be fascinating to see how everyone copes.
We can’t talk about the Costa Brava Rally without mentioning the passionate fans. What role do you think the spectators play in this special event?
catalina: The fans are the heart and soul of the Costa Brava Rally. Their enthusiasm is infectious, and they create an astonishing atmosphere. It’s a truly unique experience for the drivers to compete in front of such dedicated supporters.
Catalina, what advice would you give to aspiring rally newcomers watching this weekend’s event?
Catalina: My advice is simple: Embrace the challenge, be prepared, and never give up. Rallying is a demanding sport, but the adrenaline rush and the feeling of accomplishment are truly unmatched.
We want to hear from our readers! What are you most looking forward to seeing at the Costa Brava Motul Rally this year? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
