Rally di Roma Capitale Set to Ignite FIA European Rally Championship’s Second Half
The FIA European Rally championship (ERC) shifts gears to asphalt as the Rally di Roma Capitale commences on Friday, July 4th, marking the start of the season’s second half. After three challenging gravel events, the rally promises a dramatic change of pace and a fierce competition, with a record number of entries vying for championship points.
A Historic Rally with a Modern twist
Rally di Roma Capitale has been a mainstay on the ERC calendar sence 2017,famed for its thrilling stages and close finishes.The event is particularly remembered for the 2017 edition, where Bryan Bouffier edged out Kajetan Kajetanowicz by a mere 0.3 seconds – the closest finish in the modern era of the European championship. This year’s rally begins with a spectacular parade through Rome,followed by a 1.3-kilometer super special stage illuminated by the iconic Colosseum. Two days of intense asphalt competition around Fiuggi, south of Rome, will then follow.
Challenging Terrain and Strategic Setups
The rally’s terrain presents a unique challenge for drivers.”The roads are fully different from day one and day two,” explained a leading ERC driver. “Day one is a little more bumpy, the second day is more clean so we must find a compromise with the set-up or two different set-ups that work between two days.Its going to be one of the toughest races in terms of being at the right speed and we must consider the drivers from the Italian championship.” The driver also noted the increasing difficulty of the stages compared to previous years and anticipated high temperatures despite the earlier July date.
Unprecedented Entry List signals ERC’s Growing Popularity
An unprecedented 85 crews have registered for the Rally di Roma Capitale, highlighting the increasing interest in both the ERC and the italian event. A season-high 38 drivers will compete in the ERC1 category, reserved for Rally2 cars. The ERC3 category will feature 11 drivers utilizing Rally3-based vehicles, while 36 drivers are eligible for ERC4, encompassing Rally4 and Rally5 machinery. Notably, 16 drivers will compete in the Hankook-equipped FIA Junior ERC Championship, and 18 will debut the new-for-2025 Lancia Ypsilon Rally4 HF. eight drivers will also be vying for incentives in the ERC Fiesta Rally3 Trophy.
Marczyk Leads the Championship Charge
Heading into Rally di Roma Capitale, Michelin-equipped Miko Marczyk holds a 16-point lead over fellow Michelin driver Mads Østberg in the race for the 2025 ERC championship title. In other categories, Tymek Abramowski (Pirelli) leads the ERC3 and ERC Fiesta Rally3 Trophy standings, while Dariusz Biedrzyński (Pirelli) tops the Master ERC ranking. Hankook’s Calle Carlberg currently leads the ERC4 and Junior ERC classifications, followed by Victor Hansen and Ioan Lloyd, respectively. team MRF Tyres currently leads the FIA European Rally Championship for Teams, with Michelin holding the top spot in the FIA European Rally Championship for Tire Suppliers.
Revamped Route Promises Increased Spectacle
Motorsport Italia, the event organizer, has unveiled a revised route featuring three all-new special stages and the return of legendary stages from past editions. Organizers confidently state that the “revamped layout raises the bar for competition and spectacle alike.” The rally will feature 13 stages covering a total distance of 207.82 kilometers within an overall event distance of 811.55 kilometers. The Saturday leg will include the longest stage of the rally,Torre di Cicerone,at 34.57 kilometers. Sunday’s leg will feature Canterano – subiaco as its longest stage at 30.59 kilometers, culminating in the Jenne – Monastero Power Stage at 17:05 local time. Collepardo Pozzo d’Antullo, Torre di Cicerone, and Jenne – Monastero are the new stages for 2025.
How to Follow the Action
Fans worldwide can follow the excitement of the ERC through live coverage on the Rally.tv platform. the ERC is also broadcast in numerous countries, and fans are encouraged to consult local listings for broadcast details.
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Rally di roma Capitale promises a thrilling spectacle, setting the stage for an intense second half of the FIA European Rally Championship season.
Looking Ahead: The 2025 FIA European Rally Championship
While the focus is firmly on the excitement of Rally di Roma Capitale and the ongoing 2024 season, the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) is already looking ahead to 2025, promising even more thrilling action for rally fans. Preliminary details about the 2025 calendar have been revealed, offering a glimpse into what the coming season holds. the 2025 FIA European Rally Championship is set to feature a dynamic mix of established classics and new challenges, building upon the momentum of the current season’s successes [[3]].
A highlight of the 2025 season will be the addition of a new event in Spain, expanding the ERC’s reach and offering drivers and teams a fresh and challenging environment. The return of both the Croatia Rally and the 81st Rally Poland will also be a welcome sight; both of these events have a storied history in the world of rallying and are known for testing the skills of drivers and the reliability of their machinery [[3]]. The confirmed inclusion of the Croatia Rally and Rally Poland in 2025 further solidifies the championship’s commitment to providing a diverse and challenging schedule for its competitors.The ERC’s commitment to geographical diversity, including its events across Europe, is one of the most interesting aspects of the Championship.
Expanding Horizons: The addition of a new rally in Spain signifies the ERC’s continuing growth. This also emphasizes the ERC’s commitment to expanding its reach and finding new, exciting rally locations.
The inclusion of classic rallies, such as Poland, ensures the championship maintains a connection to its heritage. This blend of the old and new is key to the ERC’s appeal to both drivers and fans.
details about the specific locations and dates of the 2025 events will be announced in due course. However, the early confirmation of these key events provides teams and drivers with a strategic advantage, allowing them to begin planning and preparing for the season. This early outline is critical in the complex logistical planning required for international rally participation. This calendar foresight will be an invaluable asset for teams managing travel arrangements, sponsorship activations, and car planning well in advance.
Team Strategy: With an early calendar declaration, teams gain a strategic advantage in planning. Early planning will allow teams to set up logistical and car prep.
The continued growth and evolution of the ERC are evident in these calendar developments. The championship is attracting a growing global audience and is a vital platform for up-and-coming drivers to showcase their skills.It is indeed also a breeding ground for new manufacturers and technology.
Key Takeaways for Fans and Teams:
- Anticipation is Building: Rally fans eagerly await the full 2025 calendar announcement.
- Strategic Planning: teams can begin preparations for the diverse range of events.
- Expanding the Map: Expecting a broader geographical footprint on the 2025 ERC calendar.
What makes the ERC so exciting? The FIA European Rally Championship is a premier rally series offering thrilling competition across diverse terrains. The 2025 season’s announcement, featuring a new event in Spain, confirms the ERC’s commitment to innovation, tradition, and providing exciting rally experiences. As the championship solidifies its place,rallying aficionados continue preparing for a season with new contenders and challenges.
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- Rally di Roma Capitale Set to Ignite FIA European Rally Championship’s Second Half
