Rome takes FIA ERC to legendary tarmac

The FIA European Rally Championship’s (ERC) Rally di Roma Capitale has, since its inception in 2013 and ERC debut in 2017, established itself as a cornerstone of European asphalt rallying. The 2025 edition, held from 4th to 6th July, once again brought the spectacle of international rallying to the heart of Rome and the surrounding Lazio region, combining the grandeur of the capital with the technical challenge of Italy’s winding roads

Event Structure and Innovations

• Base and Route: The rally headquarters remained in Fiuggi, a spa town renowned for its mineral waters, with the ceremonial start in Rome itself. This year’s route covered 207.82 kilometres of competitive stages over 13 tests, making it one of the most demanding asphalt events in the ERC calendar

• Envrionmental commitment: Rally di Roma Capitale continued its unique status as the only ERC round with three-star accreditation in the FIA Environmental Programme, reflecting a commitment to sustainability without compromising sporting challenge

• The route  The 2025 itinerary introduced two special stages exceeding 30 kilometres each—unprecedented in the current ERC season. The “Torre di Cicerone” and “Canterano-Subiaco” stages were particularly anticipated for their length and technical complexity, promising to test both driver concentration and mechanical reliability

The pre-event shakedown and qualifying took place on the reconfigured “Fumone” stage, with the opening section run in reverse compared to previous years. This provided an early opportunity for drivers to adapt to the unique rhythm of Italian tarmac. Andrea Mabellini, a home favourite, set the qualifying pace, while other contenders, including former winners and championship leaders, faced early challenges—punctures and minor errors highlighting the unforgiving nature of the stages

The entry list was a testament to the event’s prestige, featuring over 100 crews. Notably, the Trofeo Lancia single-make cup brought a strong contingent, with young Italian talent vying for recognition alongside established ERC competitors5. The ceremonial start in central Rome, with the Colosseum as a backdrop, reinforced the rally’s blend of history and high-performance sport

Saturday and the action heats up

Saturday’s leg comprised the first seven special stages, beginning with the all-new “Collepardo – Pozzo D’Antullo”—a short but technical opener that set the tone for a day of attrition and tactical driving. The highlight was the debut of the “Torre di Cicerone” stage, stretching over 34.57 kilometres through ancient Roman landscapes and challenging crews with its mix of fast sections and technical corners

Key developments

• Italian domination: Local drivers, led by Andrea Crugnola and Giandomenico Basso, were immediately on the pace. Crugnola, in particular, demonstrated his mastery of the Roman roads, taking early stage wins and establishing a narrow lead. Basso, a multiple ERC and Rally di Roma winner, maintained pressure throughout, while Miko Marek of Poland emerged as the most credible threat to Italian supremacy
• Stage drama: The length and complexity of the new stages caused several incidents. Overcautious tyre strategies and minor mistakes—such as Marek’s overshoot on stage four—proved costly in a field where tenths of a second mattered
• Championship implications: By the end of Saturday, Andrea Crugnola held a slender 3.3-second lead over Basso, with Marek close behind in third. The day’s results suggested that Sunday’s stages would be decisive, with little margin for error among the frontrunners

Of note

• Simone Campedelli impressed on his ERC return, running consistently in the top five.

• Roberto Daprà, former ERC4 champion, continued his upward trajectory, finishing the day poised for a potential podium

Decisive Sunday action

Sunday’s itinerary featured six stages, including the daunting “Canterano-Subiaco” (over 30km) and the picturesque “Jenne-Monastero” Power Stage, famed for its tunnels and dramatic scenery. The combination of technical difficulty, high temperatures, and championship pressure set the stage for a thrilling conclusion

The final push

• Leadership changes: Overnight leader Andrea Crugnola’s hopes were dashed by a 20-second penalty for a late regroup, dropping him to fifth. This opened the door for Basso, who seized the rally lead after a blistering run on stage nine
• Podium battles: Andrea Mabellini capitalised on his rivals’ misfortunes, overtaking Marek on the penultimate stage to secure second place. Marek, mindful of the championship, settled for third, while Daprà’s aggressive approach netted him fourth after a series of committed drives
• Powerstage: Basso’s measured run in the Power Stage sealed his third Rally di Roma Capitale victory and his 21st ERC win, underlining his status as one of the championship’s most accomplished drivers

Final classification

Mabellini’s second place allowed him to leap from fifth to second in the ERC standings, while Marek’s consistency kept him in the title hunt. The rally’s demanding stages and unpredictable outcomes reinforced the championship’s reputation for drama and technical excellence