ERC
ERC questions answered by… Reis Suliman
Reis Suliman will complete his maiden FIA Junior ERC campaign on Rally 6 Cities North of Portugal from 23- 25 October. The Romanian rookie answers FIAERC.com’s 10 questions.
Why did you choose the ERC for 2026? “I chose the ERC for 2026 because it is the highest level of rallying in Europe outside the World Rally Championship, and I felt it was the right next step for my development. The competition is extremely strong, the rallies are very demanding, and it gives me the opportunity to learn from and compete against some of the best young drivers in Europe.”
What target did you set yourself for this season? “My main target was to gain experience, improve rally by rally and become more competitive throughout the year. Of course, I also wanted to achieve strong results, but the focus is on development and building a solid foundation for the future.”
ERC debut came on BAUHAUS Royal Rally of Scandinavia back in May
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What were you hoping to learn from competing in the ERC? “How to adapt faster to different rallies, surfaces and conditions, while also improving my pacenotes, consistency and overall approach to professional rallying. The ERC is a huge learning environment both inside and outside the car.”
Who’s your rallying hero and why? “I don’t really have a rally hero. I got into rallying almost by accident after discovering it on YouTube when I was 15, so I never really grew up following the sport. But I really admire Colin McRae’s legacy and the impact he had on the sport.”
Eighth in Junior ERC in Rome was a high point for Suliman
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What’s your greatest achievement in rallying/motorsport so far? “My greatest achievement so far has been becoming the 2024 Romanian Gravel FWD champion and finishing as the 2025 Romanian Junior vice-champion.”
Looking back to your first rally, when was it and where, what car did you drive and what happened? “My first event was the Romanian Rally Bacău, which took place in 2021. I drove a Suzuki Swift Sport, and to my surprise I managed to get second place in rookies.”
Irishman Lorcan More is co-driving the Romanian rookie
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Looking to the future, where do you hope to be in five years from now? “I hope to be competing regularly at a very high international level, fighting for strong results in major championships and continuing to grow as a driver. The long-term dream is to establish myself among the top drivers in international rallying.”
If you weren’t a rally driver, what sport would you like to do? “I would probably continue with downhill mountain biking. I really enjoy the adrenaline and commitment it requires, and I think it has similarities to rallying in the way you read terrain and react quickly.”
Czech challenge ended ahead of schedule
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When you are not competing what do you do to keep busy? “That’s easy, I watch rally onboards, play rally sims and think about rally.”
Tell us something interesting about yourself? “I’m into blacksmithing and I love the Lord of the Rings movies, which I’ve watched over 20 times. The extended versions, obviously.”
