Sergio Cresto, American race car driver (b. 1956)

Sergio Cresto, an American co-driver born on January 19, 1956, became a prominent, albeit tragically short-lived, figure in the exhilarating and perilous world of 1980s World Rally Championship. His career was intricately linked with the Lancia Martini team, a dominant force during the infamous Group B era, where he navigated for two of its most talented, yet ultimately ill-fated, drivers.

Cresto is most widely remembered for his partnership with the prodigious Finnish driver Henri Toivonen. Together, they formed a formidable duo for the 1986 World Rally Championship season, pushing the limits of their powerful Lancia Delta S4. Their collaboration was unfortunately cut short by a catastrophic accident that claimed both their lives.

A Precedent of Tragedy: The Partnership with Attilio Bettega

Before joining forces with Toivonen, Cresto had also served as co-driver for another respected Lancia employee, the Italian driver Attilio Bettega. This earlier association set a chilling precedent for the events to come. Tragically, Bettega perished in an accident during the 1985 Tour de Corse, an infamously challenging rally known as the "Rally of 10,000 Corners" due to its relentless twists and turns. This devastating incident occurred on May 2, 1985. Notably, Bettega's co-driver at the time, Maurizio Perissinot, miraculously survived the fiery crash without injury.

The Fateful Anniversary: May 2, 1986

What makes Sergio Cresto's story particularly poignant and a grim chapter in rallying history is the extraordinary and eerie coincidence of dates. Exactly one year to the day after Attilio Bettega's fatal crash, on May 2, 1986, Sergio Cresto, then navigating for Henri Toivonen, met his own tragic end. This second fatal accident, also occurring during the demanding Tour de Corse, not only took the lives of both Cresto and Toivonen but also led directly to the abolition of the Group B class, marking a profound turning point for the sport. Cresto's death on May 2, 1986, at the age of 30, sealed his place in the annals of rallying history, forever linked to the extreme dangers and the ultimate sacrifices made in pursuit of speed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When and where was Sergio Cresto born?

Sergio Cresto was born in the USA on January 19, 1956.

Who was Sergio Cresto's main driver at the time of his death?

At the time of his death, Sergio Cresto was the co-driver for the Finnish rallying prodigy, Henri Toivonen.

What team did Sergio Cresto and Henri Toivonen represent?

They were part of the iconic Lancia Martini team during the 1986 World Rally Championship season.

Who was Attilio Bettega, and what was his connection to Sergio Cresto?

Attilio Bettega was another Lancia driver for whom Sergio Cresto had previously served as a co-driver. Bettega tragically died in an accident during the 1985 Tour de Corse.

What is the significance of May 2nd in Sergio Cresto's story?

May 2nd holds a grim significance: Attilio Bettega died on May 2, 1985, and exactly one year later, Sergio Cresto and Henri Toivonen also died on May 2, 1986, both during the Tour de Corse rally.

Did anyone survive the crash that killed Attilio Bettega?

Yes, Attilio Bettega's co-driver at the time, Maurizio Perissinot, survived the 1985 crash uninjured.

What was the impact of the 1986 Tour de Corse accident on rallying?

The fatal accident involving Cresto and Toivonen, coupled with other incidents, directly led to the banning of the Group B class in rally racing, fundamentally changing the sport's safety regulations and trajectory.