Rome: The favorite Italians, Franceschi up against the wall

Integrated into theERC Since 2017, the Rally di Roma Capitale has become a highlight of the championship. The images of the racing cars racing in front of the Colosseum are one of the promoter's favorite shots during the year. Beyond appearances, this round is always interesting, because the confrontation is constant between the ERC players and the Italians. This year again, the entry list is substantial with 90 cars. Quality is also present with 43 Rally2/R5 where we must regret the absence of Yoann Bonato who continues to learn patience since his Alsatian accident.

Constituting the 5^e meeting of the transalpine championship, Rome is an important moment both at the national level with a coefficient 1,5 and at the international level. It is always good to shine in front of the cameras against great adversity. Initially overwhelmed (Bryan Bouffier in 2017, Alexey Lukyanuk 2018 and 2020), the Italians have proven intractable since 2021. Separated by 14 points, the three main candidates for the title are present and they all already have at least one victory in this test. Who, Andrea Crugnola (last winner), Simone Campedelli (2017 outside ERC) or Giandomenico Basso (2019 and 2021) will impose their domination? Opposed to this trio which operates on 3 different mounts (in order C3, Fabia, Yaris), the “Europeans” will try to do well in the game.

Leader of the championship from Estonia, Hayden Paddon will try to consolidate his position. 3^e last year, the New Zealander has the speed and experience to secure big points. He will have to be wary of Mads Ostberg (C3), Efren Llarena (Fabia) or Jon Armstrong (Fiesta) who will want to secure places in the 10. After the whirlwind experienced at home in Rally1, Martins Sesks (Yaris) will finally be withdrawn in Rome.

For Mathieu Franceschi, Rome constitutes an important meeting. The Frenchman is currently going through a difficult phase. Forced to retire in Sweden following a road trip in the final special, he then never found the right pace in Estonia. Settle for 10^e Instead, he let Hayden Paddon take a 10-point lead and saw Mads Ostberg close to 10 points. The Varois must reverse the trend, but his task will be difficult, because Rome was not really successful for him last year. It was in fact in Italy that he experienced his only withdrawal in 2023.

Another tricolor will try to do well in Italy. After his great victory in Ypres, Stéphane Lefebvre will once again exploit a Hyundai i20 Rally2 in an event that he will discover. Given his ability to adapt, the Northerner could spring a surprise.

While peaks of 36 C° are announced in the Italian capital this weekend, the competitors of this 5^e event of the 2024 ERC calendar will have 189,52 timed kilometers to face. 13 ES are on the program with two very long sections of 28,74 km and 32,30 km which will cause damage.