Top reference for French driver Franceschi ahead of Cais and Llarena. First among the Italians is Mabellini. Free practice continues at Fumone until 1:45 PM. Start from the Colosseum tonight at 8:00 PM.
Fiuggi, July 26th, 2024 – Free practice and qualifying at Fumone today offered the first taste of action from the Rally di Roma Capitale, the fifth round of the FIA European Rally Championship, the only Italian round, and the Sparco Italian Absolute Rally Championship.
The event, organized by Motorsport Italia and Max Rendina, roared into life today at Fumone for the practice session, allowing competitors to fine-tune their setups for the actual race starting tonight from the Colosseum.
The best reference time was set by Mathieu Franceschi and Andy Malfoy in a Skoda Fabia RS Rally2. The French crew, currently second in the European Championship standings, found a good balance and are definitely among the contenders for the top spots. Following them is the Czech duo Erik Cais with Igor Bacigàl, also in a Skoda Fabia RS Rally2. Third reference time was set by Efrén Llarena and Sara Fernández in another Skoda Fabia RS Rally2.
First among the Italians were Andrea Mabellini and Virginia Lenzi, also in a Skoda Fabia, who found a good rhythm. Among the Italian crews great pace also for Roberto Daprà and Luca Guglielmetti, as well as Simone Campedelli and Tania Canton, who are competing with a special livery dedicated to a new inclusion project related to the rally world titled “Orange 1 for Women.”
The main event will take place this evening, with the exciting start from the Colosseum and the SSS1 “Colosseo ACI Roma,” organized in collaboration with the Councillor for Major Events, Tourism, and Fashion of Roma Capitale, Alessandro Onorato. The cars will be parked at the Bocca della Verità and, leaded by the Local Police of Roma Capitale, will parade in groups of 15 from 7:00 PM along a scenic route through the city center to the Colosseum.
Once they reach Colle Oppio, the participants will climb the starting ramp from 8:00 PM and will then face the spectacular inaugural stage from 8:05 PM, whose images from previous editions have been seen worldwide, confirming the Rally di Roma Capitale as the most anticipated event of the season. Access to the inaugural evening at the Colosseum will be free for everyone, with VIP lounge areas accessible by invitation. Enthusiasts, curious onlookers, and tourists will be able to witness the special stage show at the “Colosseum,” the most anticipated sporting moment of the race.
After this point, the cars will return to Fiuggi where the competition will resume on Saturday from 7:15 AM with six special stages, including the long “Santopadre – Fontana Liri” of 28.74 kilometers, particularly technical and challenging. Saturday’s program will also include the stages of “Alatri” and “Guarcino-Altipiani,” both to be repeated twice. Sunday will feature the final leg, with the longest stage of the entire European and Italian season, the “Rocca di Cave-Subiaco” of 32.30 kilometers. There is also great anticipation for the return of the “Monastero-Jenne” stage, with its scenic route dotted with tunnels, as well as the Fiuggi stage, close to the town. The final arrival ceremony will take place in the center of Fiuggi starting at 5:15 PM.
