Crugnola, Basso and Mabellini separated by just 1.1 seconds. Solid runs for Campedelli and Marczyk. Daprà delayed by a spin, Andolfi hampered by a puncture. Midday service in Fiuggi at 13:35.
Rome, 5 July 2025 – The opening three stages of Saturday’s long leg have been completed at Rally di Roma Capitale, and the fight at the front is already intense. The Italian drivers are setting the pace, with minimal gaps between the top contenders. Organised by Max Rendina and valid for both the FIA European Rally Championship and the Campionato Italiano Assoluto Rally Sparco, the rally immediately delivered close competition where even tenths of a second are proving decisive.
Leading the standings for now is Andrea Crugnola, alongside co-driver Pietro Elia Ometto. The defending winner of the last editions moved into the lead after the morning’s final test, but was not entirely satisfied with his performance. At the end of “Torre di Cicerone” – the longest stage of both the ERC and the Italian series – Crugnola shook his head repeatedly, citing a lack of feeling, especially in the final section, which prevented him from pushing as hard as he wanted.
Just 0.7 seconds behind are Giandomenico Basso and Lorenzo Granai in their Škoda Fabia RS Rally2. The CIAR Sparco leader and two-time European Champion once again displayed his blend of speed and experience, underlining his ability to adapt quickly to every condition. His measured approach often creates psychological pressure on his direct rivals.
Third overall, 1.1 seconds off the lead, are Andrea Mabellini and Virginia Lenzi, also in a Škoda Fabia RS Rally2. Competing in a full ERC campaign this year, the Brescia-born driver built on his strong Qualifying Stage performance with a consistent morning loop, heading into the afternoon with a promising outlook.
Fourth are ERC championship leaders Miko Marczyk and Szymon Gospodarczyk in another Fabia. The Polish driver showed strong pace to stay in touch with the leaders and is the highest-placed Michelin runner, following a provisional Pirelli podium. Marczyk took a couple of risks during the morning loop, but they did not affect his momentum.
Simone Campedelli and Tania Canton sit fifth, 7.7 seconds off the lead in a Michelin-shod Fabia RS. The Italian driver expressed satisfaction, though admitted he may have been slightly too cautious in places – a factor reflected in the close standings.
The rest of the top ten includes: Bostjan Avbelj and Elia De Guio, sixth at 8.4 seconds after a solid run; Mads Østberg and Torstein Eriksen, seventh at 9.4; Roberto Daprà and Luca Guglielmetti, eighth at 14.0, after losing time due to a spin. Ninth are Efrén Llarena and Sara Fernandez (Toyota GR Yaris Rally2), while tenth are Jakub Matulka and Damian Syty from Poland.
The rally now moves into its most intense phase, with a second loop of identical stages set to define the standings ahead of Sunday’s final leg. Midday service is scheduled for 13:35 in Fiuggi.
