The 29-year-old from Italy will contest six events in a Citroën C3 Rally2 run by FPF Sport and equipped with tyres from Pirelli.
Starting with Rally Serras de Fafe, Felgueiras, Boticas, Vieira do Minho e Cabeceiras de Basto in northern Portugal from 10 - 12 March, Somaschini and co-driver Nicola Arena will also be in action on Rally Islas Canarias, ORLEN 78th Rally Poland, ERC Royal Rally of Scandinavia, Rally di Roma Capitiale and Barum Czech Rally Zlín.
The expanded ERC schedule is the result of a great deal of hard work behind the scenes by Somaschini and her team to secure the additional funding necessary.
“To have managed to create a continuous programme in such an important series is really a great dream come true,” said Milan-based Somaschini.
“I don't hide the fact that there is so much work behind this achievement, which started in 2019 and then was held back by the difficult situation we all suffered [due to the global health pandemic]. So I live this moment with great enthusiasm and a great desire to do well, while being aware of the very high level of the opponents with whom I will be confronted.”
She continued: “So far I have gained only partial experience of a few races in the European championship so it will be a season of progress, but, as always, we will give our best to try to gratify those who have believed in me.”
As previously, Somaschini will use her ERC campaign to promote #CorrerePerUnRespiro, which aims to raise awareness and funds for cystic fibrosis research, the condition from which she suffers.
“Thanks to the attention that the promoter of the championship intends to devote to the initiative, in addition to the increased visibility that the series will get with the launch of Rally.tv, #CorrerePerUnRespiro will be able to reach a hugely larger audience,” said Somaschini. “This achievement alone, for me, represents a fundamental goal achieved, for which I am deeply grateful to all those who made it possible.”
In addition to her ERC campaign, Somaschini is hoping to add a programme of Italian championship events.
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Hungary