The Automobile Club of Italy expresses profound sorrow and heartfelt condolences for the passing of Matteo Doretto, extending support to his family during this time of mourning. The 21-year-old driver, representing the ACI Team Italia, tragically died following an incident during a private test session in Pasym, approximately 75 kilometers from Mikolajki, Poland, while preparing for the upcoming Rally of Poland, part of the FIA European Rally Championship. Doretto was testing a Peugeot 208 Rally4, which crashed into a tree. His co-driver, Samuele Pellegrino, managed to exit the vehicle without physical injuries.
General Tullio Del Sette, the Extraordinary Commissioner of the Automobile Club of Italy, expressed his shock, sadness, and deep pain over the loss of a young man at such a tender age. He honored Doretto’s character, stating that the Automobile Club will remember him as a talented pilot and a person of utmost correctness, emphasizing the impact of his passion for motorsport. The ACI is committed to providing maximum support to both the team and Doretto’s family through various diplomatic channels in the wake of this tragic event.
Matteo’s loss leaves an irreplaceable void within the Italian sports community, especially among the colleagues and supporters of the Italian Automobile Federation. His kindness and charm touched everyone he met, as he consistently demonstrated sportsmanship and remarkable human qualities throughout his journey as an athlete. Even before stepping into the car, he was already a distinguished sports personality.
On. Giovanni Battista Tombolato, the Deputy Commissioner of the Automobile Club of Italy, stressed the need to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident that took away a promising talent from the world of rally racing. Doretto, who hailed from a region passionately devoted to motorsport, showcased exceptional skills that led to his selection for the prestigious ACI Team Italia. This incident reminds the community of the ongoing efforts required to enhance safety measures in the sport.
Doretto, born on October 3, 2003, in Azzano Decimo, Pordenone, made his rally debut in 2022, where he displayed remarkable consistency and determination, finishing fifth among the Under 25 category in the National Final of the Italian Rally Cup. In 2023, he secured seventh place in the CIAR Junior championship, where he aimed to compete in the following year. His expected rise in 2024 was marked by a victory in the Italian Absolute Rally Junior Championship and a third-place finish among Under 25 drivers at the Rally della Lanterna in the Italian Rally Cup Final.
The memories of Matteo Doretto will forever be cherished within the motorsport community, highlighting both his talents as a driver and his exceptional character as a person.