ERC
Zielinski plots Sweden run after dream comes true in ERC
Lucas Zielinski wants his FIA European Rally Championship dream to continue following his debut ERC3 triumph on 43rd Andalusia Rally - Sierra Morena - Córdoba World Heritage Site.
The Frenchman was competing in Spain last weekend as his prize for banking the Clio Trophy France Asphalte title in 2025 at the wheel of a Clio Rally5. But he managed his step up to international level with ease, winning the Rally3-based category by 33.2sec in a Michelin-equipped Renault Clio Rally3.
Now the 29-year-old has ambitions to expand his ERC participation with next month’s BAUHAUS Royal Rally of Scandinavia the target.
“I would love [to go] and we are working on it,” Zielinski said. “Of course, we still need some finance. We have very nice support from Michelin, so it helps a lot, but we still need to find some help. I have a big hope, and I am sure we can find some solution and continue in this way.
I have a big hope, and I am sure we can find some solution and continue in this way
French flyer Zielinski has more ERC3 outings in mind
© ERC
“On the gravel it’s going to be a very new experience, we have only one gravel rally. And [43rd Andalusia Rally - Sierra Morena - Córdoba World Heritage Site] was our second rally with this car. We need to learn how to drive a four-wheel-drive car on the gravel so let’s see.”
Of his victory on the ERC season opener alongside co-driver Ewen Leenhardt, Zielinski said: “I’m fully satisfied, it’s a dream come true. Three years ago, I had no drive, I thought it was the end for me, no budget. In 2020 I start the rally, I did three races, but I had a big accident, and I had to stop for four years. Luckily, because of the help of many people, especially Bernard Piallat of PH Sport, we went back in the car and did two seasons of five rallies in France. We did the vice-champion in the first year and champion last year so this was the gift from Alpine Racing. With the support of Michelin and the team of David Auto Compétition we could make this amazing result, just an amazing weekend.
“I work a lot, I train a lot out of the car on mental preparation and a lot of simulation to stay active, then I try to stay in my zone to stay focused on me and not on the other competitors. We managed it quite well.”
Asked whether he believed a debut win was possible prior to the start, Zielinski added: “Yes, because this is why I came here, this was my dream, but honestly to open the Power Stage with the heli around the car live on TV… I was driving with the heli on the side it was like when I was young in the video games, just amazing.”
