Race for Glory : Audi vs. Lancia

Race for Glory: Audi vs. Lancia is a true cinematic experience that successfully resurrects the thrilling and perilous world of the 1983 FIA World Rally Championship, a golden age of rallying that left an indelible mark on motorsport history. Directed by Stefano Mordini, this Italian-British co-production boasts an excellent cast, led by Daniel Brühl and Riccardo Scamarcio, and delivers an immersive journey into the intense rivalry between two automotive giants.

Scheduled for release on January 5, 2024 in the USA and February 7, 2024 in France, the film is set against the backdrop of the mid-1980s, a period now considered the golden age of rallying. The first trailer for Race for Glory tantalizingly presented the resurrection of the Group B era, a time when drivers grappled with monstrous machines, testing their skills and courage in the pursuit of victory. The film lives up to all its promises, delivering a true human adventure of courage, duality and a desire to revolutionize the world of motorsport.

Riccardo Scamarcio delivers a convincing performance as Cesare Fiorio, the Lancia factory team manager. The focus on Lancia's quest for the championship with the new Rally 037 adds a layer of suspense to the story, especially as the trailer hints at the challenges faced when the machine debuted in 1983, following a technically difficult 1982 season.

Opposite Riccardo Scamarcio is Daniel Brühl, no stranger to historical motorsport films after his memorable portrayal of Niki Lauda in Rush. Brühl plays Roland Gumpert, the Audi Sport team boss, who is the story's formidable antagonist. The Audi Sport Quattro's victory in the 1982 constructors' championship, attributed to the introduction of four-wheel drive, sets the stage for an intense rivalry between German power and Italian competitors.

Volker Bruch's portrayal of Walter Röhrl, the 1982 drivers' champion, adds depth and historical resonance to the story. The film takes place at a crucial moment when Fiorio convinces Volker Röhrl to join Lancia, setting the stage for a head-to-head battle with Audi's reigning champion, Hannu Mikkola. The inclusion of historical figures such as Mikkola, played by Gianmaria Martini, and Michèle Mouton, played by Esther Garrel, guarantees a comprehensive exploration of the driving forces of the era.

The script, by Filippo Bologna, Stefano Mordini and Riccardo Scamarcio, skilfully captures the intense atmosphere of the 1983 WRC race. The decision to delve into the dynamics of team management adds a layer of complexity to the plot, with the hope that the film will devote sufficient time to the experiences of drivers like Röhrl, Mouton and Mikkola.

Locations in Italy and Greece, including iconic sites such as the Lancia office and the Circuito di Balocco, contribute to the film's authenticity. Attention to detail during principal photography, which began in Turin on May 16, 2022, promises an immersive visual experience that will transport viewers to the heart of the action.The title change from 2 Win to Race for Glory: Audi vs. Lancia reflects a strategic decision that aligns with the film's theme of intense competition between German and Italian contenders. 

Race for Glory: Audi vs. Lancia offers a thrilling, authentic and visually stunning portrait of one of the most exhilarating chapters in motorsport history. With a running time of 93 minutes, the film is set to captivate racing enthusiasts and film buffs alike, offering a thrilling journey into the high-stakes world of the 1983 World Rally Championship. Fasten your seatbelt for an adrenaline-filled journey that celebrates the passion, rivalry and glory of a bygone era of rallying.

Race for Glory: Audi vs. Lancia 
Directed by Stefano Mordini
Written by Riccardo Scamarcio, Filippo Bologna, Stefano Mordini
Produced by Riccardo Scamarcio, Jeremy Thomas
With Daniel Brühl, Riccardo Scamarcio, Volker Bruch
Director of photography: Gigi Martinucci
Editing: Massimo Fiocchi, Davide Minotti
Production companies: Recorded Picture Company, Lebowski, HanWay Films, Metropolitan Films
Distributed by AI (Italy), Lionsgate (USA), Metropolitan Films (France)
Release date: January 5, 2024 (U.S.), February 7, 2024 (France)
Running time: 93 minutes

Viewed: December 15, 2023 (press screener)

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