ERC
Stříteský neat on Córdoba’s streets to lead in ERC
Dominik Stříteský is the fastest driver in the FIA European Rally Championship – based on his performance through this evening’s opening super special stage on the streets of Córdoba.
Driving a Michelin-equipped Škoda Fabia RS Rally2, the one-time ERC event winner took 57.8ec to complete the 1.0-kilometre city centre test – the first stage of the ERC season – to lead 43rd Andalusia Rally - Sierra Morena - Córdoba World Heritage Site at the first overnight halt.
"It was a good stage for the spectators,” said 2024 Czech champion Stříteský. “It is really fun when it is in the city."
Devine shone with the second fastest time
© ERC
Two-time Irish Tarmac champion Callum Devine was second quickest on his debut for JC Raceteknik with an effort of 58.3sec, as ERC graduate Adrian Rzeźnik impressed with the third best time followed by ERC newcomer Marco Bulacia.
To underline the close nature of the ERC, Andrea Mabellini and Jakub Matulka were joint fifth quickest in a time of 59.0sec with Pirelli-supplied Mabellini marking Lancia’s return to the ERC’s top tier for the first time since 1993.
Mabellini was fast as Lancia returned to ERC action
© ERC
Qualifying Stage winner José Antonio Suárez was seventh fastest as Miko Marczyk and Calle Carlberg – the overall and Junior ERC champions from 2025 – shared the eighth fastest time. Hankook-shod Carlberg’s performance for Llarena Racing was particularly notable as it was his first stage in a Rally2 car on Tarmac.
Tuukka Kauppinen completed the top 10 followed by Teemu Suninen, Jorge Cagiao and double ERC champion Giandomenico Basso with Roberto Blach, MRF-equipped Simone Tempestini, Iván Ares and William Creighton next up followed by Erik Cais, Adam Grahn and Benjamin Korhola.
Making his first start at European level, Michelin-supported Renault Clio Rally3 driver Lucas Zielinski set the FIA ERC3 pace ahead of Pirelli-supplied Ford Fiesta Rally3-driving trio of Cian Caldwell, Craig Rahill and Kalum Graffin.
Francesco Dei Ceci beat fellow Lancia Ypsilon Rally4 HF driver Aatu Hakalheto to the fastest time in ERC4 followed by Valentino Ledda and Tommaso Sandrin.
The 43rd Andalusia Rally - Sierra Morena - Córdoba World Heritage Site continues tomorrow (Saturday) with the 20.90-kilomete SS2, Obejo – Villaneuva de Córdoba, from 09:30 local time.
More to follow...
