Promising 21-year-old dies after Peugeot 208 Rally4 crash near Pasym
The European rally community is mourning the loss of Italian driver Matteo Doretto, who tragically died on Wednesday during a reconnaissance session ahead of the Rally of Poland, the fourth round of the 2024 FIA European Rally Championship (ERC).
Fatal Accident During Pre-Event Testing
Doretto, driving a Peugeot 208 Rally4, suffered a fatal accident near the town of Pasym, in northeastern Poland, when his car veered off course and struck a tree. Emergency services were dispatched to the scene, but the injuries sustained by the 21-year-old were fatal.
His co-driver, Samuele Pellegrino, was also involved in the crash but survived with minor injuries. He was transported to a local hospital, and doctors confirmed that his condition is stable and not life-threatening.
Rising Star in Italian Motorsport
Doretto was widely considered one of Italy’s brightest rally prospects. Earlier this year, he was crowned 2024 Italian Junior Rally Champion, and his entry into the ERC marked a significant milestone in his transition to international competition.
The Rally of Poland was set to be his first major outing at this level, with eyes across Europe on the young talent.
Rally of Poland to Proceed in Mourning
Scheduled to run from Friday to Sunday (June 14–16), the Rally of Poland will continue as planned, though under a cloud of grief. Organizers, ERC officials, and fellow teams have offered tributes and condolences to Doretto’s family, honoring a driver described as passionate, humble, and full of promise.
Final Word
Matteo Doretto’s death is a devastating reminder of the inherent risks in motorsport. At just 21 years old, his life and career were cut tragically short. His memory now joins the long list of names remembered by the rally world not only for their talent, but for their courage behind the wheel.