Mabellini set for MRF debut in Italy

Mabellini finished third overall in both the Junior ERC and ERC4 championships this year whilst driving a Toksport-prepared Renault Clio Rally4. 

The 23-year-old previously told FIAERC.com about his hopes to graduate into the championship’s top-level category in 2023 and, while his plans for next season remain unconfirmed, Mabellini’s latest announcement links him with championship-winning squad Team MRF Tyres. 

Rally del Brunello is a one-day gravel event based in Montalcino - and Mabellini took to social media to confirm he will contest the fixture with an MRF-backed Fabia alongside co-driver Virginia Lenzi.

“We are very happy to finish our 2022 [season] with our first gravel rally in a Škoda and some big news - we are part of the MRF Racing family,” Mabellini said. “We can’t wait to race, try our best and improve our skills for 2023!

“On Wednesday morning we will have some testing and then we hope it will not rain. But I think it will be very rainy looking at the forecast,” he added.

Alberto Battistolli, who finished seventh in this year’s championship, has also entered the rally with a similar car.