Host country Italy Stages 37 (520 km; 320 mi) Overall distance 1,791 km (1,113 mi) | Rally base Sanremo, Italy Stage surface Asphalt and gravel | |
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Dates run 10 October 1973 – 13 October 1973 | ||
The 1973 Sanremo Rally (15º Rallye Sanremo) was the 15th running of the Italian rally, and the tenth round of the inaugural World Rally Championship season. Run in mid-October around Sanremo, Italy, the rally was a mixed surface rally, with some stages on tarmac and others on gravel. Sanremo would become a staple of the WRC calendar for many years until the Italian portion of the WRC was moved to the gravel stages of Sardinia in 2004.
In 1973, and for several years afterward, only manufacturers were given points for finishes in WRC events. Italy marked the official sealing of the manufacturer title for Alpine Renault with their win, despite only needing three points to accomplish the task. Fiat also finished strong on their home event, all but ensuring their place in the final classifications as well. Strong presence in the top ten for both teams minimized the opportunity for other manufacturers to gather points in the event, with only Lancia and Opel picking up some crumbs.