Tears in Tuscany for Andrea Bartarelli: “Humility, integrity, and boundless passion”

It is with deep sorrow and disbelief that the Acisport Toscana Delegation mourns the untimely passing of Andrea Bartarelli, who was the victim of a tragic accident during the recent Scandicci Rally.

“Losing a member of our great sporting family—and doing so right here on our home roads—adds an even greater weight to our grief. Andrea was not just a driver; those who had the privilege of knowing him and crossing paths with him in the Service Parks, at the regrouping points, and on the Special Stages will forever remember his humility, fairness, and boundless passion, as well as his boundless love for our sport, both inside and outside the cockpit,” reads the statement released just a few hours after the tragedy.

The accident occurred during the event’s second special stage in Pulica, in the municipality of Montespertoli—the driver’s hometown, as he resided in the province of Pistoia. Co-driver Massimo Bazzani remained conscious after the accident and suffered several fractures; he had to be transported to the hospital for treatment.

Race director Giovanni Bisso reconstructed the events during a press conference held shortly after the incident. “The special stage began as scheduled at 4:01 p.m.; the first car at the start was Bartarelli and Bazzani’s. At 4:04 p.m., we received a call for assistance regarding the accident: the car had ended up on a steep embankment—in an area difficult to reach—after a six-meter fall. Although rescuers managed to reach the car immediately, unfortunately there was nothing that could be done for Bartarelli.”.

The news has shocked the Italian rally community. Just a few days ago, Bartarelli had competed with good results in the Ronde Halloween in San Marino, and there was great anticipation surrounding his participation in the Rally Città di Scandicci-Colli Fiorentini, an event now in its fourth edition.