Franceschi’s sixth sense in ERC

The Frenchman, 24, has finished in sixth position on the last two ERC rounds, although he came within five seconds of claiming fourth overall on Tet Rally Liepāja, such has been his impressive progress in 2023.

Franceschi is embarking on his first full ERC campaign after he claimed the French gravel title in 2022. He’s level on points with defending European champion Efrén Llarena at the halfway point of the season in fourth place.

Speaking at the completion of Tet Rally Liepāja last month, the AMD Motorsport driver said: “It was good, not easy for sure with a difficult first day [because of the changing weather conditions]. Today was better and I finally find a bit of speed and confidence. We finish sixth, five seconds behind fourth place, so it’s good to be not too far from the fast drivers. We have some points to work at for the next event so let’s see what we can do for Sweden. But it’s cool to be in the top seven or top six on all surfaces.”

As well as chasing success in the ERC, Franceschi is ambassador for Michelin, one of the ERC’s four official tyre partners along with Hankook, MRF and Pirelli.

“It’s cool to be part of the development of these tyres,” he said. “They are good in all conditions, especially when it’s dry. Let’s see what can happen in Sweden.”

BAUHAUS Royal Rally of Scandinavia is set to be Franceschi’s final ERC outing in the Škoda Fabia Rally2 Evo he has used so far in 2023 with an upgrade to the latest Fabia RS Rally2 planned for Rally di Roma Capitale at the end of the month.