VOTE NOW: Most improved driver of 2022

Alberto Battistolli
While the Italian’s final championship standing of seventh overall perhaps wasn’t what he’d set out to achieve at the beginning of the season, Battistolli showed streaks of brilliance aboard his Škoda Fabia Rally2 Evo. 

A series of accidents in the Azores, Rome and at Barum Czech Rally Zlín weren’t ideal, but when the confidence was there - such as at Tet Rally Liepāja where he and Simone Scattolin won the Qualifying Stage - so was the pace.

Javier Pardo
Second overall on his debut year in the ERC’s top-flight is proof of just how far Pardo has come in his career. The Spaniard joined Team MRF Tyres from round Orlen Rally Poland onwards and continued to make gradual improvements. 

Consistency is what really bolstered Pardo’s campaign: he was one of few drivers to safely navigate all eight rounds. It’s that stability which ultimately rewarded him with the runner-up spot.

Simon Wagner
Wagner had previously dipped his toe into ERC action - but this year he really made his breakthrough. March’s Azores Rallye was a weekend of firsts for the Austrian as he notched up his first ERC stage win, quickly followed by his first ERC podium with third overall. 

Rally Islas Canarias and Tet Rally Liepāja were much less successful for the Fabia man but he recovered to take another top three at Barum Czech Rally Zlín - proving his pace on both Tarmac and gravel surfaces.

Martin László
A late-season car swap unlocked a change in fortunes for 25-year-old László. Having enjoyed mixed success with a front-wheel drive Renault Clio Rally4, the Hungarian upgraded to a Rally2-specification Fabia and relished the opportunity.

Ninth on his debut with the car at Barum Czech Rally Zlín was followed by a top-five result in the season finale. Definitely one to watch for the future.

Ghjuvanni Rossi 
Contesting his second season in the one-make Clio Trophy by Toksport WRT series, Rossi’s year got off to a poor start with a crash at the Azores Rallye.

He picked up the pace event by event to end his season on a high with the class victory on a very tricky Barum Czech Rally Zlín.