Preview
The 42nd Rally Sierra Morena – Córdoba Patrimonio de la Humanidad 2025, held from April 4 to April 6, marked an exciting beginning to the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) season. Set against the stunning backdrop of Córdoba, Spain, the event featured 13 competitive asphalt stages spanning a total of 209.96 km. Rally fans were treated to a vibrant atmosphere, with the ceremonial start taking place in the lively Plaza de Las Tendillas on April 3, heightening anticipation for the thrilling competition ahead.
This historic rally, first run in 1978, has gained prominence over the years, becoming a vital part of the European Rally Championship calendar. The combination of picturesque landscapes and challenging routes created the perfect stage for both emerging drivers and established stars to showcase their skills.
Talking Points
Nikolay Gryazin’s Strategic Brilliance
The standout performer of the weekend was Nikolay Gryazin, who exhibited exceptional tactical intelligence and outstanding driving to secure victory. Leveraging a favourable road position from his qualifying stage win, Gryazin demonstrated mastery of the intense 27.19 km Villaviciosa stage, outpacing his rivals significantly. His advantage of 18.5 seconds on the first pass and 11.6 seconds on the second run underscored his command of the terrain and his carefully chosen medium tyres. Gryazin’s triumph marked a significant comeback as his first ERC win since 2021.
Local Heroes and Unfortunate Setbacks
Local drivers showed promise but faced their share of challenges throughout the weekend. José Antonio Suárez emerged as the strongest Spanish representative, finishing third overall despite a rear-left puncture that compromised his chances for a higher spot. Alejandro Cachón, who briefly challenged Gryazin before retirement, echoed the rally’s unpredictable nature, reminding all participants of the harsh realities of motorsport.
Title Contenders in Dismay
The event was rife with disappointment for several title contenders. **Jon Armstrong** faced an early exit after misinterpreting a pacenote on SS4, leading to a crash, followed by a retirement on Sunday due to mechanical issues. **Efrén Llarena** managed to climb to fifth before a technical failure brought his rally to an end, while **Mads Østberg** struggled with a bent throttle pedal clip that hindered his performance, ultimately finishing eighth.
The Power Stage
The excitement culminated in the **Ermitas-Trassiera Power Stage**, the final challenge of the rally held on Sunday afternoon. Scheduled to start at 17:05 this decisive stage not only determined the overall winner but also awarded crucial championship points to the top performers. Gryazin’s expertise shone through, as did Bonato’s solid performance, further showcasing their prowess on the penultimate stretch.
Under the Radar
The Rally Sierra Morena also spotlighted emerging talent within the Junior ERC category, where Sergi Pérez*claimed a thrilling victory over Calle Carlberg, winning by just 3.4 seconds. This race showcased a promising future for the sport, with Jasper Vaher finishing third and Mille Johansson** impressively placing seventh overall, indicating a rising wave of young drivers ready to make their mark.
WRC Champions’ Run
Adding an intriguing layer to the event was the presence of two WRC champions, Thierry Neuville and Elfyn Evans, who participated in the rally as a pre-WRC testing opportunity. Both drivers completed all stages without major incidents, with Neuville narrowly avoiding disaster after a near miss involving a barrier shifted by another competitor’s crash. Their participation granted valuable insights into the capabilities of their machines, enhancing their preparation for the demanding WRC season that awaits.
Tyre Battle
The tyre war was heavily influenced by the performance of Michelin, which celebrated a podium sweep with Gryazin, Bonato, and Suárez dominating the rankings. Their tyres provided a distinguishable advantage, delivering optimal grip across varied conditions throughout the rally. In contrast, Pirelli drivers faced an uphill battle, struggling to replicate the same level of performance, as seen in the difficulties faced by drivers like **Andrea Mabellini**.
The 2025 Rally Sierra Morena delivered a captivating blend of strategic racing, emerging talents, and seasoned professionals navigating the challenges of both the course and their rivals. As the season unfolds, this rally has solidified itself as a critical fixture in the ERC calendar, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this thrilling sports saga.
