Rally: a farewell to Alex Fiorio: former Group N world champion and star of the Lancia Delta’s triumphs
The world of sport and motor racing mourns the passing of Alessandro “Alex” Fiorio, who died on 17 August 2026 at the age of 61 following an illness.
The world of sport and motor racing mourns the passing of Alessandro “Alex” Fiorio, who died on 17 August 2026 following an illness, aged 61.
The former 1987 Group N World Rally Champion is survived by his father Cesare and mother Francesca, his brother Cristiano with his children Cesare Jr. and Milla, his sister Giorgia, his wife Oxana and his daughters Mariapaola and Francesca, who had followed him when he moved to Puglia to Masseria Camarda (Ceglie Messapica, Brindisi), Cesare Fiorio’s new home.
His life was devoted to sport, beginning with the title of Italian champion in downhill and giant slalom at the age of 17, whilst competing for the Ski Club Cervino, where he had also passed the exams to become a ski instructor. His passion for speed led him to the world of motor racing, and rallying in particular. Fiorio began his career as a rally driver in the early 1980s, competing in the Panda Ice Trophy and then the Fiat Uno Championship. He went on to be one of the leading figures during the legendary years of the Lancia Delta’s triumphs, always with Gigi Pirollo by his side as his co-driver.
It was at the wheel of a Jolly Club Delta that he was crowned Group N world champion at the Rally 1000 Laghi (now the Rally of Finland) following a neck-and-neck battle with Tommy Mäkinen, a driver who went on to win no fewer than four WRC world titles.
And in the WRC (World Rally Championship), Alex finished second behind Miki Biasion in 1989, whilst over the course of his career he made it onto the podium no fewer than nine times, with six second places and three third places.
