Morra games while waiting for Artugna
Some competitors are still keeping a low profile, while many others have already confirmed their participation in the new CI2C – Italian Cross Country Championship 2026 by ACI Sport, which brings together under the Italian tricolour banner vehicles from several categories: T1 / T1 Plus (prototypes), T2 (production-based vehicles), T3 / T4 (light tubular vehicles), and TH (expired homologations).
In ten days’ time the season will begin with the Italian Baja di Primavera (March 13–14), renamed Artugna Race since 2021. The challenge takes place on the “river that isn’t there”, so called because its riverbed is almost always dry, except after heavy rain or sudden snowmelt. The event is organised by the Fuoristrada Club 4x4 Pordenone.
The race takes place on the gravel tracks of the Pordenone foothills, between the municipalities of Aviano, Budoia and Polcenigo. Before the Covid period, the Primavera event had a scope similar to that of a World Cup round, with a route (naturally reduced) running across the riverbeds of the Cosa stream and the Tagliamento River, passing through areas such as San Giorgio della Richinvelda, San Martino al Tagliamento and Valvasone Arzene.
Later, a different approach was sought in order to change perspective, offer new scenery and highlight another part of the territory within the fascinating setting of the Friulian Dolomites.
This long introduction helps explain the spirit of a trip that is not only sporting, but also filled with curiosity and positive expectations. And so we arrive at the buzz of anticipation that intrigues fans and insiders alike before the cards are revealed.
After the “UFO” entry of Fabio Samsa (Toyota Hilux Overdrive) and the group of Sicilian competitors led by Alfio Bordonaro and company, the next to make a move is Gianluca Morra from Novara, ready to line up with his Suzuki Grand Vitara 1.9TD in Group T2, a 2006 model producing around 160 horsepower, with permanent four-wheel drive.
Morra competes under the colours of Rally & Co (Biella), with technical assistance from Stop & Go of Pavullo nel Frignano. Alongside him will be Stefano Tironi from Modena, with the clear objective — needless to say — of “starting on the right foot” after a previous season marked by several mechanical setbacks.
In the photo: Gianluca Morra in action (Photo: Massimo Zuin).
Source: ACI SPort (Artugna Race Press Office Release)
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