ERC
Basso takes to the mountains – and his kart – to get ready for ERC return
Giandomenico Basso won’t be short of preparation when he resumes his FIA European Rally Championship campaign on his home event, this week’s Rally di Roma Capitale.
The two-time European champion, voted by fans as the greatest of all time through an online poll in 2023, completed the season-opening 43rd Andalusia Rally - Sierra Morena - Córdoba World Heritage Site podium.
He starts round three in Italy from 3 - 5 July as a favourite for more success – especially after he revealed the steps that he’s taken to get ready.
Preparations have been plentiful for double ERC champion Basso
© ERC
“I prepared for this rally with the same level of seriousness as any other event I compete in,” Basso, 52, said. “A bit of swimming, some mountain bike rides, and, in the end, a few hikes in the mountains. Walking in natural environments really helps me recharge. Finally, I spent a day on track with my new Formula K kart: for me, it’s an extremely demanding workout and also the ideal way to reactivate my reflexes after such a long break between rallies. “
Walking in natural environments really helps me recharge.
Rally di Roma Capitale’s outright winner in 2019, 2021 and 2025 and the top Italian championship finisher in 2018, the reigning national champion remains a fearsome competitor at the wheel of the Pirelli-supplied Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 he shares with co-driver Lorenzo Granai.
Victory in Rome last season followed an epic drive
© ERC
“The goal is the same as in every other rally: to aim for victory, while being fully aware of the incredibly strong entry list, packed with highly competitive drivers,” Basso said. “Although I approach every single rally with the intention of winning, that, however, does not mean living with an obsession for the result; I’m tackling this edition of Rally di Roma Capitale with complete peace of mind and without the psychological pressure of having to win.
“The competitive goals I had set for myself throughout my career have already been more than fulfilled. Rome itself was the stage for a unique moment that allowed me to strengthen my season and secure my fifth Italian title. At this stage of my life, I no longer feel the need to prove anything to anyone. Every major result that comes today is an added value, something extra that we will fully enjoy and celebrate.”
Basso continued: “It is always a huge pleasure to race in Rome, an event that is masterfully organised and capable of reinventing itself with every edition. This year, the real talking point is the relocation of the event logistics directly to Rome instead of Fiuggi: an excellent decision that brings the rally closer to the people and makes the atmosphere even more vibrant and engaging for the fans.”
