Chiara Nava Tragedy struck at the Scandicci Rally , in the province of Florence, where an accident during a special stage claimed the life of Andrea Bartarelli , a 50-year-old Florentine driver. He was driving a Citroën C3 when, for reasons still unclear, he lost control of the car and went off the road, ending up in a ditch.
Co-driver Massimo Bazzani, who was traveling alongside him, was also injured in the accident . Emergency medical and technical personnel responded immediately, but there was nothing they could do for Bartarelli.
After receiving a report of the incident, the event organizers ordered the suspension and cancellation of the race . A press conference was also called for late afternoon to clarify the incident.
The accident during the Pulica special stage: the car ended up in a ditch
The fatal accident occurred during the special stage called Pulica , the second scheduled for the Scandicci Rally . The timed stage winds along a hilly road in the municipality of Montespertoli, in the province of Florence, Andrea Bartarelli's hometown.
The driver, who was competing with navigator Massimo Bazzani, had the number 1 on the sides of his Citroën C3. According to initial information, the car went off the road approximately 2,5 kilometers from the starting point of the special stage. The car lost traction , skidding off the road and plunging down a ditch.
The accident was immediately reported by the track marshals, who activated emergency procedures. Emergency medical services and technical personnel responded to the scene, while the departures of other cars were suspended to allow for assistance operations and secure the area.
Only three crews managed to complete the timed section before the race was finally interrupted. Navigator Massimo Bazzani was injured in the crash and required medical attention.
Scandicci Rally cancelled after driver's death
The news of Andrea Bartarelli's death prompted organizers to permanently cancel the event. The Scandicci Rally was therefore canceled , despite it being one of the last national competitions on the 2026 Italian motorsport calendar.
The race was supposed to be divided into two half-stages: the first was scheduled for this afternoon, while the second was due to take place tomorrow.
Following the accident, the organizers called a press conference for 6:15 p.m. to provide further information on the incident and the decision to cancel the competition.
The tragedy shocked the rally world and the community of Montespertoli , an area to which Bartarelli was also linked by his origins. The causes of the Citroën C3's collision during the special stage remain unclear.