The world of rallying is in mourning for the tragic death of Matteo Doretto, 21 years old, 2024 Italian Junior champion. The young driver of Pordenone lost his life in a very serious accident that occurred yesterday during the pre-race tests of the Rally Poland. His Peugeot 208 Rally4 ended up violently against a tree.
The accident occurred on the roads around Elganowo, near Pasym. According to the reconstruction of the Olsztyn fire department spokesman, Doretto's car left the road at high speed, crashing into the only tree in the area. The impact was devastating, concentrated mainly on the driver's side.
The firefighters worked for a long time to extract the young pilot from the cockpit, which was curled around the trunk. Unfortunately, the doctor who arrived on the scene could do nothing but confirm the death of Doretto.
The co-pilot, Samuele Pellegrino, 26, managed to get out of the vehicle on his own. After witnessing the desperate rescue attempts of his friend and colleague, he was hospitalized as a precaution, in a state of shock.
Matteo Doretto was considered one of the brightest promises on the international scene in his discipline. Last year he graduated as Italian Junior champion after the prestigious Rally di Sanremo, confirming a talent that was recognized early. He was the grandson and son of an artist: both his grandfather, Nello, and his father, Michele, competed for a long time and with success in regional and national rally circuits, passing on to him their passion for racing.
By profession, Doretto worked as a body shop mechanic in the family business. This year marked his debut in the European championship, a milestone in his promising career. The last race he had competed in was the “Due Valli”, just two weeks ago, at the wheel of a Lancia Ypsilon.
The news of his passing has generated a wave of grief in the world of Motosport, from the ACI of Pordenone and from local and national institutions. The governor of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Massimiliano Fedriga, was among the first to express his grief. At the end of 2024, Fedriga himself had indicated Doretto as "an example of an athlete capable of achieving success at great levels thanks to commitment, talent and self-denial".
"A young man who had a promising career ahead of him and who was able to distinguish himself through passion, commitment and determination has left us. In the face of such a tragedy - the governor concluded - the entire Region is moved by those who loved him", wrote Fedriga, expressing the deep sorrow of a community struck by the loss of a young talent.
Article published on 11 June 2025 - 20:16
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