Question marks surround Tempestini’s participation in the championship’s sixth round as budgetary constraints have left the Romanian star searching for last-minute funding.
The Škoda Fabia Rally2 driver currently leads the ERC-Michelin Talent Factory and told FIAERC.com the shortfall was partly due to his heavy crash at the Fafe season-opener back in March.
“I hope to be in Rome,” he explained, “but after our crash in Fafe, we are struggling with the budget to participate.
“It was the same for Latvia, but somehow we got the possibility to be there. Now we are trying again to cover the budget to be in Rome.
“Of course, it’s really important for us to be in Rome and also in Zlín, but if I had to take a decision now I would not be there. I am staying optimistic and I will see what happens in the next days,” he added.
Despite holding third in the championship standings, Tempestini believes he still has a lot of pace in reserve.
Fourth overall at the Azores Rallye was his best result so far this season and he struggled to find the optimum car set-up for the last asphalt fixture at Rally Islas Canarias. If he makes it to the start line in Rome, that will be the focus.
“We wanted to be a bit faster during this year,” he explained. “But it’s not easy to find a good compromise between having the speed and the reality that you need to come to the end with the car in one piece.
“When you are trying to do a whole championship and one week before the rally you don’t know if you will be there, it’s not easy. Every time I go to a rally I am grateful that I’m there and I am trying to do my best without making any stupid mistakes.
“Rome is very different to Canarias - I like the stages much more and I think, if we get a good test and set-up, we will be able to fight for the top positions.”
- Full coverage from Rally di Roma Capitale will be available on WRC+ All Live here, including every stage broadcast as it happens as well as key interviews, features and expert analysis from the service park.
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