Italy's ERC round attracts star-studded entry.
FIA European Rally Championship stars will lock horns with the greatest ERC driver of all time when Rally di Roma Capitale kicks off from the Eternal City this Friday (26 July) with the world-famous Colosseum providing a spectacular backdrop.
Giandomenico Basso, a double European champion, who was last year voted as the championship’s greatest-ever driver will be aiming for his 33rd ERC podium, having finished second 12 months ago. But competing in his new-for-2024 Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, he will face stiff opposition from 27 other ERC priority drivers in headlining Rally2 cars.
They include defending ERC champion and current points leader Hayden Paddon, his predecessor Efrén Llarena, World Rally Championship event winner Mads Østberg, double 2024 ERC podium finisher Mathieu Franceschi, V-Híd Rally Hungary winner Simone Tempestini, ERC3 champion Jon Armstrong and rising Italian star Andrea Mabellini.
For Mabellini, the event takes on added significance. Not only does it provide another opportunity for the 24-year-old Team MRF Tyres driver to demonstrate his huge potential, it’s also a chance to compete in front of his home fans with co-driving partner Virginia Lenzi. After tyre damage on the penultimate stage denied him a shot at the top five in 2023, Mabellini is more than aware of the pitfalls that can strike on Italy’s ERC counter.
“For sure the overheating factor is crucial and it’s not easy on the Tarmac you have,” Mabellini said. “It’s so abrasive and with a lot of heat it’s not easy.”
“It should be like a dream [result], but it will probably remain like a dream,” he added. “We know perfectly where we are, we are improving and for sure we will try to develop more to get something a little closer to the others.”
Of the bulging 90-car entry list, 42 crews are eligible for ERC points
How to watch?
Fans across the globe can experience the excitement and drama of the ERC with every stage of every rally broadcast Rally.TV platform. In addition, the ERC is broadcast in a number of countries around the world and fans are advised to check local listings for details.
Rally di Roma Capitale 2024: the key numbers
Stages: 13
Competitive distance: 189.52 kilometres
Total distance: 797.68 kilometres
