June 11, 2025 will be remembered as a dark day in the world of rallying. Matteo Doretto, one of Italy’s most promising young talents, tragically lost his life during a private test session for Rally Poland, a round of the European Rally Championship (ERC). He was just 21 years old.
A Rising Star Cut Short
Born in 2004, Matteo Doretto wasn’t just another driver chasing podiums—he was the embodiment of Italy’s next rally generation. In 2024, he was crowned Italian Junior Rally Champion, a title that secured his place in ACI Team Italia, the national driver development program. His hard work and raw talent quickly caught attention on the European stage.
This year, Matteo stepped up to the ERC Junior series, and he was already turning heads. At Rally Hungary, he delivered an outstanding performance that earned him his first ERC podium. For many, this was only the beginning.
The Fatal Test
On the morning of June 11, during a pre-event test in Elganowo, northeastern Poland, Matteo was behind the wheel of a Peugeot 208 Rally4—the same car that had brought him success in the junior ranks. Midway through a test run, the car veered off course and struck a tree at high speed. Despite immediate intervention from rescue services, Matteo’s injuries were fatal.
His co-driver, Samuele Pellegrino, survived the crash without serious physical harm and was taken to a hospital for observation. Physically fine, but no doubt forever changed.
An Outpouring of Grief
The rallying world responded with heartbreak and tributes. The FIA ERC issued a statement mourning the loss of a driver they described as “modest, immensely talented, and destined for greater things.”
Teams, drivers, and fans flooded social media with tributes. For those who had met Matteo, the common thread was his humility, his relentless drive, and his love for rallying. He wasn’t just quick on the stages—he was respected and liked by everyone in the service park.
A Talent Never to Be Forgotten
It’s cruel that a sport built on such passion can take those who love it the most. Matteo Doretto was more than just a result sheet or a hopeful name in a development program—he was a young man living his dream, with a future that looked so bright.
In rallying, we celebrate bravery, commitment, and character. Matteo had all three. Though his journey ended far too soon, his memory will live on in the hearts of the rally community, in the forests and gravel roads where he gave it everything.
Rest in peace, Matteo.