Kalle Rovanperä shares the grief of the motorsport community at the funeral of the champion driver who died in a Polish Rally accident that left everyone in tears

The world of motorsports has once again been struck by deep sorrow when young Italian rally driver Matteo Doretto tragically died at the age of just 21 in an accident during a test stage of the European Rally Championship in Poland. Doretto, who had just been crowned Italian Junior Champion in 2024, lost control of his car in the Elganowo settlement near the village of Pasym. His Peugeot 208 Rally4 skidded off the road and crashed into a tree, causing fatal injuries. Co-driver Samuele Pellegrino escaped the accident unharmed, but the incident has left deep scars on the entire rally community. In Finland, two-time World Rally Champion Kalle Rovanperä has joined the mourners, attending Doretto’s funeral and expressing his condolences for the tragic loss of this promising young driver.

Rovanperä, who has risen to the top of the rally world despite his young age, has experienced first-hand the dangers and risks of motorsport. His participation in the funeral was not only a tribute to his young colleague, but also a demonstration of the unity of the motorsport community. The funeral, held in Doretto’s hometown in Italy, was full of emotion. Hundreds of people – family members, friends, competitors and fans – gathered to say goodbye to a talented driver whose career was just beginning. Rovanperä, known for his reserved but warm-hearted nature, was seen in tears among the others as Doretto’s memory was honored.

The accident occurred in early June 2025, as Doretto was preparing for the European Rally Championship in Poland, one of the most prestigious events in the European Rally Championship. According to local media, rescue workers quickly arrived at the scene of the accident, but despite attempts to resuscitate the young driver, it was not possible to save him. The incident has sparked widespread debate about the safety of motorsport, especially when young drivers participate in high-risk events. Doretto had only been racing in his first season in the European Junior Championship, but his performances had already shown exceptional talent and potential.

Rovanperä, who has faced dangerous situations himself in his career, has often spoken about the hectic nature of motorsport. He has previously talked about how every race requires complete concentration and how even the smallest mistake can lead to serious consequences. In the 2024 World Rally Championship in Poland, Rovanperä himself drove a sensational victory, despite being called up at short notice to replace his injured teammate Sébastien Ogier. The victory showed his ability to perform under pressure, but it also reminded him that the world of rallying is unpredictable. Doretto’s accident has once again highlighted how fragile life can be in this sport.

At the funeral, Rovanperä gave a short but touching speech, remembering Doretto’s passion and dedication to rallying. He emphasized that while motorsport is full of risks, it is also a sport that unites people around the world. Rovanperä’s words resonated especially with young drivers, who saw themselves in Doretto – a young, hungry athlete striving for his dreams. In his speech, Rovanperä also emphasized the importance of safety and urged the motorsport community to continue working to improve the safety of the sport.

Doretto’s death has raised questions about rally safety standards. In recent years, the FIA, the world governing body for motorsports, has made significant improvements to safety, such as strengthening the safety cages of cars and improving the protective equipment for co-drivers. However, as Doretto’s case shows, there is no such thing as a risk-free motorsports event. Following the accident, the organisers of the European Rally Championship in Poland suspended a day of testing and held a moment of silence in memory of Doretto. Many drivers, including Rovanperä, have expressed their support for the organisers’ decision, stressing that such moments remind everyone of the serious side of the sport.

Rovanperä’s attendance at the funeral was also a symbolic gesture. In Finland, where rallying is the national sport, his presence in Italy sent a strong message of solidarity. Rovanperä has himself experienced losses in motorsport, and his participation showed that despite its competitive nature, the rally community is like a big family that supports each other even in difficult times. Other well-known names were also seen at the funeral, including Italian rally legend Andrea Crugnola and Norwegian Henning Solberg, both of whom had competed with Doretto in the same season.

Doretto’s career was short but brilliant. He had risen rapidly in Italian rallying circles, and his victory in the junior class was a sign that he could have become one of the great names in the sport. His passion and charisma made him a beloved figure not only in Italy but also internationally. News of his passing spread quickly on social media, with many fans sharing their memories of Doretto’s racing. One fan wrote: “Matteo was like a fire that lit up the track. His smile and passion were etched in all of our memories.” Such memories highlight how deeply Doretto touched people during his short career.

Rovanperä himself has spoken about how motorsport is a way of life for him, but also a constant reminder of humility. His career has been full of victories, but also moments when he has had to face the dangers of the sport. For example, in the 2025 Tunturiralli, he had to swerve from a spectator on the road, which led to him driving into a snowbank. Experiences like these have reminded him that even though technology and safety improve, human factors and unexpected situations can always change everything.

After the funeral, Rovanperä returned to Finland, but according to him, Doretto’s memory will follow him on the track. He has said that he intends to dedicate his next victory to Doretto, if he manages to get on the podium in the upcoming races. This gesture is typical of Rovanperä, who is known not only for his skills but also for his empathy and ability to bring people together. The rally community has also started discussing possible memorial races in honor of Doretto, and it is likely that his name will live on in the history of the sport.

Doretto’s tragic loss has once again reminded the motorsport community of how precious every moment on the track is. Rovanperä’s attendance at the funeral and his open feelings show that while competition is at the heart of the sport, its heart lies in community and mutual respect. When the engines start again at the next race, Doretto’s memory will live on in every driver who steps on the gas and continues to pursue their dreams.