Making a debut at Vodafone Rally de Portugal is, in itself, a huge challenge for any driver. But when you're racing against the clock while also pushing against the limits of a chronic illness, the meaning of resilience takes on an entirely new dimension.
Rachele Somaschini is 31 years old, born in Milan, and lives with cystic fibrosis—a severe hereditary genetic condition that affects the lungs and digestive system, leading to serious respiratory and digestive difficulties.
Even so, in 2025, Rachele chose to tackle the gravel and rocky stages of the Portuguese round of the World Rally Championship behind the wheel of a Citroën C3 Rally2, alongside co-driver Nicola Arena, in the demanding WRC2 category. Supported by the RS Team and a large group of volunteers from the FFC Delegation in Milan, Rachele has built a solidarity network that goes far beyond the stages. Since 2016, she has led the charity initiative #CorrerePerUnRespiro ("Racing for a Breath"), which has already raised over €470,000 for scientific research through the Fondazione Ricerca Fibrosi Cistica.
“I’ve already driven in Rally Fafe, but this is my first time at Vodafone Rally de Portugal. It’s incredibly beautiful, but extremely challenging for me. The gravel and dust, common on these kinds of surfaces, make everything more dangerous and demanding, especially because I’m affected by cystic fibrosis. It’s a disease that compromises the lungs, so I have to be extremely cautious.”
But taking part in the Portuguese rally is also important for another reason: to raise awareness about cystic fibrosis and the importance of scientific research. As Rachele Somaschini says, “If you’d like to know more, look up cystic fibrosis and the Correre per un respiro project. Your support truly makes a difference.”
Rachele has already competed in the Italian and European championships, and is now taking on a full program in the 2025 World Rally Championship. With titles in the TER Ladies series in 2022 and 2023, her career is built on determination. But as the Italian driver often reminds people, she doesn’t race just for results—she races for every breath, for every life touched by this illness. And now, also for the support and admiration of Portuguese fans.