Since its founding in Turin in 1899, Fiat has treated racing as the ultimate test of engineering and passion. From early Grand Prix victories to rally dominance with the legendary 131 Abarth, and now into the world of electrified performance, Fiat has never stopped evolving. Its motorsport legacy is rich with stories of innovation, victories, and unforgettable cars.
Early Glory: When Fiat Helped Invent Motor Racing
In the early 1910s, Fiat was already making headlines on racetracks around the world. One of the most famous moments came in 1911, when a Fiat racer won the American Grand Prize, proving the Turin-based company could compete with the best. Cars like the Fiat S61 and S74 became known for their power, speed, and bold designs, setting the tone for decades of competition to come.
The Scorpion Joins: Abarth Supercharges Fiat’s Identity
When Carlo Abarth founded his performance workshop in 1949, he quickly earned a reputation for building fast, lightweight cars. Soon after, Abarth teamed up with Fiat, and the iconic scorpion badge became a symbol of performance. Together, Fiat and Abarth created rally machines and track cars that brought home trophies while thrilling fans with their aggressive style and racing spirit.
Case Study #1: The Fiat 131 Abarth—Three WRC Titles
In the late 1970s, the Fiat 131 Abarth became a rally legend. Lightweight, powerful, and engineered for rough terrain, it helped Fiat win three World Rally Championship titles in just four years. With drivers like Markku Alén and Walter Röhrl behind the wheel, the 131 Abarth dominated stages across Europe and cemented Fiat’s reputation as a rally powerhouse.
Case Study #2: Abarth 124 Rally—Back-to-Back FIA R-GT Cups
Decades later, Abarth proved it still had a competitive edge. The modern Abarth 124 Rally captured back-to-back FIA R-GT Cup titles in 2018 and 2019. The car’s mix of classic roadster styling and modern rally technology showed that Fiat and Abarth could still surprise the competition and delight fans worldwide.
Case Study #3: “Powered by Abarth” — Building Tomorrow’s Stars
Since 2014, the Italian Formula 4 Championship has been powered by Abarth engines. These turbocharged single-seaters give young drivers an affordable and competitive path into professional racing. Many of today’s rising stars got their start in these cars, making “Powered by Abarth” a badge of honor for future champions.
Latest Trends Shaping Fiat & Abarth Performance
1) Electrified Performance
The new Abarth 500e is a clear sign of the future. Combining instant torque, modern design, and the brand’s trademark fun-to-drive spirit, it shows that the scorpion’s sting will still be felt in the electric age.
2) Heritage-Led Special Editions
Abarth loves honoring its past. Special editions like the Abarth 695 Tributo 131 Rally connect today’s fans with Fiat’s golden era of rally racing, celebrating the cars and drivers that made history.
3) Global Group Synergies
Now part of Stellantis, Fiat and Abarth benefit from shared technology, engineering expertise, and investment across 14 brands. This gives Fiat the resources to keep innovating in both motorsport and consumer performance cars.
Deep Roots with Ferrari
Fiat’s motorsport influence also touched Ferrari. Fiat acquired a large stake in Ferrari in the late 1960s, and for decades the two companies shared knowledge and resources. This partnership helped shape both brands’ legacies in performance and competition.
Why It Still Matters
From the dusty roads of Savannah to the icy forests of Finland and today’s electric circuits, Fiat has always used racing to test ideas and inspire fans. The lessons learned on the track influence road cars, create exciting new models, and keep the spirit of competition alive. Fiat’s motorsport story proves that true passion for racing never fades—it simply adapts to the times.
Quick Facts
- Fiat won the 1911 American Grand Prize with a groundbreaking race car.
- The Fiat 131 Abarth secured three World Rally Championship titles in the late 1970s.
- The Abarth 124 Rally captured consecutive FIA R-GT Cups in 2018 and 2019.
- Italian F4 “Powered by Abarth” has become a global stepping stone for young drivers.
- The Abarth 500e brings Fiat’s racing DNA into the electric future.
FAQ
Is Fiat still active in racing?
Yes. While Fiat no longer runs a factory World Rally team, Abarth continues to support rally programs, and its engines power the Italian Formula 4 Championship.
What’s next for Abarth?
Abarth’s future lies in electrified performance. Models like the Abarth 500e are just the beginning, as Stellantis channels motorsport innovation into electric platforms.