ERC
Why Rome is where the heart is for ERC rookie Verstappen
Jos Verstappen can’t wait for Rally di Roma Capitale to get under way on Friday (4 July) because it means a return to his favoured asphalt surface after three events on gravel.
The grand prix podium finisher and father of four-time Formula One world champion Max Verstappen is undertaking his maiden FIA European Rally Championship bid in 2025 for what represents his first international-level campaign.
He heads to Italy for round five of the season third in the Master ERC points following two non-finishes aboard his Pirelli-equipped Škoda Fabia RS Rally2.
Verstappen found gravel an enjoyable challenge
© ERC
“For 40 years I only did asphalt and we don’t like the oversteer that much because you don’t go quick,” Verstappen of the challenge he has faced competing on gravel. “You really have to throw the car into the corner and go flat on the power to create the grip. But it’s not natural and you really have to learn it and try it a lot.
“Poland was my third [ERC] gravel rally and all the gravel rallies are completely different, you cannot compare them. Ther’s a lot of learning to do, there a lot of notes coming in and you need a lot of experience of the places you go to. In circuit racing is five laps and you know the track. This is a completely different sport.
“It’s getting better, but it just takes time. I don’t want to compare myself with the top [drivers] because I’m very far [away] but I don’t mind, I enjoy it and I like to make improvements on myself and try to get better but we are competing in our own league.”
Rally di Roma Capitale presents another learning opportunity for Verstappen
© ERC
After rounds, Dariusz Biedrzyński tops the FIA Master ERC Championship with an advantage of 11 points ahead of Kowax DST Racing team-mate Martin Vlček. Verstappen is 12 points further back with András Hadik, the class winner in Poland, fourth.
