Rally Regione Piemonte 2026 – When the Heat Became the Biggest Rival

Italian rallies have a reputation for delivering spectacular roads, breathtaking scenery and passionate fans. Rally Regione Piemonte 2026, based around the historic town of Alba, has become one of the highlights of the Italian Rally Championship, combining technical asphalt stages with the rolling vineyards that make this part of Piedmont famous around the world.

This year’s edition delivered everything expected from the event – and one thing nobody could control.

The thermometer climbed beyond 40°C, turning the weekend into a genuine endurance challenge for everyone involved. Drivers battled not only against the clock but also against the relentless heat, while marshals, mechanics, media crews and thousands of spectators searched for every patch of shade they could find.

As a photographer covering the entire field, the conditions were as demanding as any rally I’ve attended this season.

Long walks between locations with camera gear, hours spent under cloudless skies and the constant search for drinking water became just as important as choosing the next shooting position. By the end of each stage, the heat was as much a talking point as the action itself.

The Beauty of Rallying Around Alba

Fortunately, Rally Regione Piemonte offers rewards that make every challenge worthwhile.

The roads surrounding Alba provide an almost perfect natural stage for rally photography. Fast sweeping corners through vineyards give way to narrow village streets before climbing into the hills, creating endless opportunities to capture cars against one of the most beautiful backdrops in European rallying. Every stage seemed to offer a completely different atmosphere, with changing light and constantly evolving scenery making every location unique.

The fans played their part as well.

Italian rally supporters remain some of the most enthusiastic in Europe. Hours before the first competitive car arrived, spectators had already filled the hillsides, creating a colourful and vibrant atmosphere that never disappeared despite the scorching temperatures. Their passion for the sport is one of the reasons events like Rally Regione Piemonte continue to attract competitors and photographers from across Europe.

Competition in Extreme Conditions

On the competitive side, Andrea Crugnola and co-driver Luca Beltrame #2 once again demonstrated why they remain among Italy’s leading rally crews. Delivering a measured and confident performance across the weekend in the Lancia Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale, they secured overall victory after two demanding days of competition.

Behind them, the battle for the remaining podium places remained intense, with every second proving valuable in the fight for championship points. Boštjan Avbelj and Damijan Andrejka #3 in the Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 were second. Roberto Daprà and Luca Guglielmetti #1 in another Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 were third.

While the final classification tells the sporting story, it only captures part of what Rally Regione Piemonte is about.

For photographers, the event is a visual feast. The variety of cars, constantly changing landscapes and dramatic lighting throughout the day mean that no two images ever feel the same. Covering the entire field also provides a reminder that rallying is about far more than the battle for first place.

Every crew arrives with its own ambitions, whether chasing victory, championship points or simply the satisfaction of reaching the finish after two demanding days on some of Italy’s finest roads.

Behind Every Photograph

Looking back through the photographs, it’s remarkable how little the extreme temperatures show. The images capture committed driving, spectacular scenery and smiling fans, but behind every frame were hours spent working in conditions that pushed everyone to their limits.

That is perhaps what I will remember most about Rally Regione Piemonte 2026.

Not simply who won, but the atmosphere, the landscape and the resilience shown by everyone involved. Sometimes the toughest conditions produce the most memorable photographs, and this weekend in Piedmont certainly proved that.

With another Italian rally now complete, attention already turns towards the next event. Hopefully, the next gallery will come from Hungary—although a few degrees less on the thermometer certainly wouldn’t hurt.

Behind the Lens

Every rally has its own character, but Rally Regione Piemonte will stay with me for one reason above all others: the heat. Spending two full days photographing every crew in temperatures exceeding 40°C was physically demanding, but the spectacular roads around Alba and the passion of the Italian rally community made every kilometre worthwhile.

It’s exactly the kind of event that reminds me why rally photography is worth every early morning, every long walk and every sunburn.

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