A faster fourth in store for ERC’s Mabellini

Mabellini is contesting the Tarmac event for the fourth time and for what will be his first at the wheel of a headlining Rally2 car.

Previously, the 23-year-old had sampled Rally5, Rally4 and RGT technology on Italy’s ERC counter.

He’ll start the event, which runs from 28 - 30 July, fresh from his points-scoring finish on BAUHAUS Royal Rally of Scandinavia earlier this month.

“It was good to be back in the top 10 [in Sweden], our pace was good and we were consistent,” said Mabellini, who is co-driven by Virginia Lenzi. “We made a good job, maybe I can improve more but maybe I need to wait until next year for the gravel. Now we still have the remaining rounds on Tarmac and I am a bit more used to it and we hope to have some more good results.”

Mabellini will make his fourth Rally di Roma Capitale appearance in an MRF Tyres Dealer Team-entered Škoda Fabia Rally2 Evo.

“Rome is our home rally and it’s the fourth time we participate,” said Mabellini. “It will be different for sure with this car but I have more experience on Tarmac so I can manage it better. Even though it’s five hours from our home, it’s good to be back in Italy and it’s still enjoyable. The organisers make an awesome job and it’s amazing for our nation to have a rally in front of the Colosseum.”

Mabellini’s Rome mementos

2022: Renault Clio Rally4: 2^nd in ERC4, 2^nd in Junior ERC
2021: Renault Clio Rally5: 8^th in ERC3, 1^st in Clio Trophy by Toksport WRT
2020: Abarth 124 Rally: 2^nd in ERC2, 1^st in Abarth Rally Cup