Pellier gains Junior redemption in Rome

The Opel Corsa Rally4 driver banished all memories of his roll last time out at Tet Rally Liepāja with a dominant drive, notching up his third victory of the season on technical asphalt stages in central Rome. 

Pellier - co-driven by Marine Pelamourgues - seized the top spot from home hero Andrea Mabellini on Saturday afternoon and led from then on. 

He punched in a series of fastest times over Sunday’s final leg to consolidate his position and eventually ended 42.1sec clear of his Renault Clio Rally4 rival.

The Frenchman’s success also moved him back in front of Óscar Palomo in the title race and he heads the Spaniard by six points with two rounds remaining.

“I am really happy with this result,” beamed Pellier. “Our goal for this rally was to leave Rome with the championship lead - and that’s what we did! It’s perfect.”

Roberto Daprà - also driving a Clio - rounded out the podium over one-minute behind compatriot Mabellini, while Palomo ended fourth overall in a Peugeot 208 Rally4 and held onto his ERC4 championship lead. 

Mattia Vita and Victor Hansen completed the leaderboard - both drivers steering Ford Fiesta Rally4 machines. The Junior ERC results identically reflected the ERC4 results.