ERC stars out in force to honour legend Bettega

Two-time ERC event winner Nil Solans, Pontus Tidemand, who scored points on both of his ERC appearances in 2023, and championship regular Alberto Battistolli are all entered for the 2nd Bettega Tribute, which takes place from today (Friday) until Sunday.  

The event, held on the Arena Sparco Circuit on the streets of host town Jesolo near Venice, is being organised by Scorzè Corse and managed by two-time European champion Giandomenico Basso (below).

Bettega, who registered three wins and eight podiums from 22 starts in the ERC, was 32 when he lost his life on Tour de Corse in 1985. He was previously remembered through the Memorial Bettega event, held as part of the Bologna Motor Show. The Bettega Tribute was created as a replacement last year with this season’s Italian champion and Rally di Roma Capitale winner Andrea Crugnola taking victory.

Tidemand, the Junior WRC champion in 2013 who won the Asia-Pacific title two years later, will pilot a Škoda Fabia run by Delta Rally. Solans (below), whose Junior WRC title success came in 2017, will also be at the wheel of one of the Czech machines.  

Andrea Nucita, another driver with recent ERC experience, joins the list of leading names for the 2nd Bettega Tribute, with the Sicilian taking part in a Friulmotor-run Hyundai i20 N Rally2.   

Alessandro Bettega, Attilio’s son and the 2006 Fiesta SportingTrophy winner, is due to drive a BMW M3 for the first time with former co-driver Simone Scattolin by his side.  

Meanwhile, Antonio ‘Tony’ Fassina, who beat Jimmy McRae to the 1982 ERC title, is expected to drive Key Sport’s Lancia Stratos.