Armindo Araújo, the multiple Portuguese champion, tops the order for The Racing Factory following podiums at Rally Serras de Fafe - Felgueiras - Cabreira e Boticas and the Azores Rallye last month.
However, the Skoda Fabia driver’s advantage is a slender three points over Efrén Llarena after the Spaniard took his Team MRF Tyres Fabia to a maiden ERC victory in the Azores.
After completing the season-opener in Fafe with seven points on the back of a troubled start to his campaign, Llarena is in the thick of the title chase heading to next month’s Rally Islas Canarias.
Fafe winner Nil Solans didn’t compete in the Azores due to budget issues and is 13 points shy of the title summit as a result. But he’s a known quantity at Rally Islas Canarias after he led the event on his debut in 2020. If he can return to ERC action on the all-Tarmac round a strong haul of points is his for the taking.
Bruno Magalhães is fourth in the provisional order, two points behind Solans. However, with the multiple ERC event winner focused on his domestic campaign with Team Hyundai Portugal, further European championship appearances are not currently scheduled.
Alberto Battistolli could have been higher up in the ranking had he not rolled on the final stage in the Azores. But the inexperienced Italian will only improve and add to his tally as the season progresses. After two rounds he’s in fifth position with 29 points.
Elsewhere, Simon Wagner scored a maiden ERC podium on his first appearance of the season in the Azores. He’ll be a firm contender to finish strongly at Rally Islas Canarias. The Austrian champion is tied on 23 points with fellow ERC-Michelin Talent Factory contender Simone Tempestini, who bagged his first finish of the season in the Azores.
Like Battistolli, Javier Pardo was on course for more points in the Azores until mechanical issues dropped him back. But the 19 points the ERC-Michelin Talent Factory member bagged in Fafe have ensured a provisional top 10 placing for the emerging Spaniard.
Team MRF Tyres pair Simone Campedelli and Norbert Herczig will be expected to add to their respective scores as the season progresses after failing to finish in Fafe.
Igor Widłak (Ford Fiesta Rally3) holds a 15-point lead in FIA ERC3 but it’s closer in FIA ERC4 with Andrea Mabellini six points ahead of Renault-powered Toksport WRT team-mate Paulo Soria. Soria leads the Clio Trophy by Toksport WRT after the Azores opener. Joan Vinyes is in front in ERC Open for Suzuki Motor Ibérica.
Click HERE to view the provisional standings after two rounds.
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