No rest for Clio star Mabellini

Mabellini kicked off the year at Rally Il Ciocco e Valle del Serchio in his native Italy at the beginning of March before taking ERC4 glory at Rally Serras de Fafe - Felgueiras - Cabreira e Boticas the following weekend. 

A fortnight later he ended runner-up at the Azores Rallye and then headed straight to Mexico for the Rally of Nations Guanajuato, which starts tomorrow night (Friday). The week after that, he’s back home for Rally Sanremo.

The youngster will represent Team Italy in a Renault Clio Rally5 this week as he teams up with top-flight ERC pilot Alberto Battistolli. Fafe winner Nil Solans is also competing for Spain as well as his fellow countryman Pep Bassas. 

“We had a little bit of preparation for the Rally of Nations, but only with the video,” said Mabellini. 

“We are still waiting for our car to arrive, then it’s time for the recce. I think it will be challenging for us, especially with our little car.

“We will see what this weekend brings, but for us, it will big deal to finish the rally.”

Keeping up with such a busy schedule has meant Mabellini has rarely been at home in recent weeks.

While that could put a strain on many peoples’ relationships, the 22-year-old is lucky that his girlfriend Virginia Lenzi is also his co-driver of almost five years.

“Competing with Virginia is amazing,” he beamed. “We have rallied together for around five years and she knows everything about me. 

“It’s important for her to be in the car because she knows when I am a little bit afraid or something like this and she knows how to calm me down. It’s perfect for me.”