Rally Rome: Andrea Crugnola leads despite adversity

Although the Italian Citroën C3 Rally2 driver is leading after the first leg of this fifth round of the season, he has had an eventful day. Several competitors have managed to challenge his dominance. With a margin of just 5 seconds, the winner of the last two editions still has a good chance of achieving a hat-trick, but he will have to drive very fast on Sunday.

Published 05/07/2025 à 18:27

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Rally Rome: Andrea Crugnola leads despite adversity

Andrea Crugnola was challenged during the stage, but he is still the leader tonight (Photo: Red Bull)

Spread over two days, this first stage was 109,48 km long, timed. The championship's most famous superspecial took place near the Coliseum in Rome on Friday evening, and the rest of the program took place on Saturday, with six SS stages and a group of three to be retaken twice.

While the Italian crews were expected on home soil, it was Mikolaj Marczyk (Fabia RS) who set the first two fastest times and took the lead. Honoring his position as leader of the competition, the Pole never let up the pace, but he was less able to climb to the top of the podium thereafter. Finishing the stage in 3^e rank, he could be satisfied. He had indeed had to bow to the two big favorites of the event.

Battling at the top of the Italian championship, Giandomenico Basso (Fabia RS) and Andrea Crugnola (C3 Rally2) were designated as two of the very strong contenders. Both with two victories in Rome, they knew exactly the tactics to adopt. Joint leader with Marczyk after SS2, Basso consistently put in performances in the top three, but he was unable to contain Crugnola. At 2, the former double crowned in ERC (2006 and 2009) remains in ambush 3''3 behind the first, Andrea Crugnola.

The latter gave the impression of taking his time. Never far behind Marczyk at the start of the day, he had to keep an eye on his compatriots, Basso of course, but also Roberto Daprà (winner of SS5 and 7) and Andrea Mabellini (SS4). Taking the lead in SS4, he then claimed SS6, extending his lead over Basso to more than 4 seconds. Unhappy with his driving in the final section, he allowed Basso to close the gap to 6 seconds. The battle will therefore continue tomorrow between the two Italians with Marczyk just behind at 3 seconds, who could take advantage of this fight.

The second stage will again consist of 6 special stages with a total of 98,34 km timed.

Ranking at the end of stage 1