Rome: Franceschi best time in qualifying special

After the reconnaissance on Thursday, the crews of the 5^e appointment of theERC 2024 proceeded to the classic qualifying special. 4 km long, it was located in the town of Fumone not far from Fiuggi where the service park is located.

Already author of 2^e time during training, Mathieu Franceschi set the best time. Before the event, the Varois had expressed his pleasure at returning to tarmac after two somewhat complicated rounds on gravel in Sweden and Estonia. Building on last year's experience south of Rome, he intends to close the 10-point gap that separates him from Hayden Paddon in the championship. This best time will allow him to be the first to determine his position on the road for Saturday. If on dirt it is better to start late to avoid sweeping, on asphalt it is sometimes more prudent to open so as not to encounter pollution coming from the ropes. Mathieu and his teammate Andy Malfoy will have to make a choice.

Behind Franceschi, the Czech Erik Cais and the Spaniard Efren Llarena complete the qualifying podium.

During the latter, the championship leader won the 7th^e rank. With her Hyundai, Hayden Paddon brought a bit of variety, as there were 9 Skodas ranked in the top 10. Also racing in a Hyundai, Stéphane Lefebvre took 13^e place. During this rather unusual exercise, the surprise came from the discretion of the locals. The first Italian (Andrea Mabellini) is only 5^e while Simone Campedelli (10^e), Giandomenico Basso (16th) and Andrea Crugnola the 2023 winner only finished 24th. Logically, he should also be far away on the road tomorrow and he will not benefit from the best road conditions. Will he be able to compensate for this handicap? Has Franceschi already struck a big blow?

The answers will come tomorrow. After the parade superspecial around the Colosseum this evening, the competitors will compete in 6 SS and a little over 94 km timed on Saturday.