The International Rallye of Valais 2024: Where legends come to life

When the sound of engines echoes through the deep valleys of Valais and cars drift through the hairpin turns, it’s time for The International Rally of Valais 2024 (Rallye International du Valais). Streetwheelz1 captured fantastic impressions from the service park at CERM in Martigny and along the race track.

Valais is known for its stunning mountain scenery, vineyards, and of course, wine. But since the 1960s, motorsport fans also associate this canton with rally racing. The Rallye International du Valais enjoys widespread recognition across Europe and ranks among the five most significant rally events. It is often mentioned alongside prestigious events like those in Monte Carlo, Finland, Portugal, and Sardinia. This year, over 100 vehicles participated across four racing categories.

This year’s lineup included many internationally renowned names. Among them was German nobleman Albert von Thurn und Taxis, who eventually finished in third place. Jos Verstappen, father of Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen and a former Formula 1 driver himself, finished in sixth place. The rally was ultimately won by seasoned drivers Jonathan Hirschi and Mélanie Tendille.

At the CERM Service Park

At first, things were quiet at the CERM in Martigny, as the cars were still out on the track. The service tents lay empty, and the October morning was cool. By midday, more and more vehicles arrived, and the atmosphere soon turned bustling with engine noise and the smell of fuel, as the midday sun was shining at full power.

For motorsport and car fans, it’s definitely worth not only watching the cars on the track at full speed but also taking a look behind the scenes. One by one, the service tents filled with cars, and the teams sprang into action. Each move was precise. Every team member knew exactly what to do. Cars were lifted, hoods opened, wheels removed – all at a rapid pace. As a rally spectator, seeing the cars up close creates a special connection, and it’s even more thrilling to watch them in action afterward.

Alongside the modern compact Skodas and tuned Peugeots, BMWs, and Renaults, there were also several historic models on the track. Among them was a green Porsche 911 (likely from the Carrera RS series) in the historic racing category. A car that would immediately stand out if parked near Zurich’s Bahnhofstrasse, but here, it’s more than just a stylish weekend car; it’s part of the competition and must prove itself. Like a boxer in the ring between rounds, this model was being prepped for the next stage. Later in the afternoon, the challenging Anzère stage through the Valais Alps awaited. There was also a Ferrari Dino 308 GT4. Streetwheelz1 had last spotted a similar Ferrari model at the Swiss Classic World in Lucerne. But seeing this car in motion rather than at a museum or car show is impressive. Not letting such a rare car simply age gracefully, but pushing it to its limits and risking damage or devaluation, is certainly a tough choice, but it brings vitality and excitement to the experience.

On the Rally Stage

The next day, Streetwheelz1 headed to the rally track. Access to certain observation points is not always easy without a car, and public transport is limited not only due to rally-related road closures. However, one relatively accessible stage is in Vollèges. A regional train and bus from Martigny get you there in about 30 minutes, followed by a short walk to the official viewing point: a meadow and field amid the impressive Valais mountain landscape. From there, you have a good view of a winding but not overly steep section of the course.

The final rankings show a striking pattern: eight of the top ten drivers were in Skodas. While this is no secret in racing circles, it might surprise outsiders at first glance. But watching the race makes it clear that smaller, powerful cars have an advantage on twisty tracks. Back at the CERM the previous day, compact cars like Renault, Peugeot, Hyundai, and others seemed almost bursting with power. The highly tuned engines seemed to vibrate intensely as the cars crawled to the time control.

Controlling that power, especially in the corners, demands everything from the drivers. This was evident on rally day, as some vehicles came close to missing turns, causing the crowd to react with a mix of cheers and words of encouragement. Fortunately, nothing serious happened. Remarkably, two accidents on a different stage the previous day also ended without severe consequences. One involved drivers Burri and Aubry, who reportedly tumbled over 600 meters into a ravine on the Bramois-to-Saint-Martin stage, claiming they rolled a hundred times. In a normal car, they would not have survived. But rally cars, with their roll cages and other safety measures, are anything but normal vehicles.

A trip to Valais is highly recommended for car fans and rally enthusiasts. Experiencing the competitive atmosphere live is definitely a highlight. For the Rallye International du Valais is where legends come to life.

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More about the event: https://www.riv.ch/