Italian rally driver dies in tragic accident during pre-race Poland testing PHOTO

Italian rally driver Matteo Doretto, 21, has died following a fatal accident during pre-race testing for the 81st edition of Rally Poland. The incident occurred near the town of Elganowo, close to Pasym, during practice sessions ahead of the official race set to run from June 13 to 15.

Doretto, the reigning 2024 Italian Junior Rally Champion from Pordenone, lost control of his Peugeot 208 Rally4, which veered off the road at high speed and collided with a tree — the only one in the immediate vicinity. The impact, which was especially severe on the driver's side, proved fatal, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

Emergency crews, including firefighters and paramedics, arrived quickly and attempted resuscitation for approximately ten minutes. Despite their efforts, the young driver could not be revived. His death was confirmed on the scene by medical personnel.

Grzegorz Różański, a spokesperson for the fire brigade in the nearby city of Olsztyn, confirmed the details of the accident.

Co-driver Samuele Pellegrino, 26, was also involved in the crash but escaped serious injury. He was able to exit the vehicle on his own and reportedly witnessed the unsuccessful rescue attempts. Pellegrino was taken to a local hospital as a precaution and is said to be in stable condition, though in shock.

Doretto was regarded as a rising star in Italian motorsport, having secured the national junior title earlier this year.

By Sabina Mammadli