Fri 08 Nov 2024

The cars that made Mabellini an ERC star

Andrea Mabellini’s FIA European Rally Championship adventure has taken him from RGT to the headlining Rally2 division via stints at Rally5 and Rally4 level. Here’s a reminder of his rapid progression.

2020: The ERC story begins
With Nicola Arena co-driving, Andrea Mabellini makes his ERC debut on Rally di Roma Capitale aboard an Abarth 124 Rally. He claims a debut Abarth Rally Cup victory and also takes top RGT class honours.

2021: He can with a Clio
A move to the new Clio Trophy by Toksport WRT follows for 2021. Now co-driven by his partner Virginia Lenzi, Mabellini secures the one-make arrive-and-drive title for the Clio Renault Rally5 following a four-way showdown on Rally Hungary. His prize is a Renault Clio Rally4 on three rounds of the ERC in 2022.

2022: More Clio joy in Junior ERC
Four podiums and third in the final Junior ERC standings are a measure of Mabellini’s continued progression aboard his Toksport WRT-run Renault Clio Rally4.

2023: The next level
With support from MRF Tyres, Mabellini climbs the ERC ladder to the headlining Rally2 category. He shows his potential four stage wins although funding issues cut short his season behind the wheel of a Škoda Fabia Rally2 Evo. Fans vote him the ERC Most Improved Driver of 2023.

2024: Coming of age
After claiming a breakthrough podium on JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion, Mabellini scores his maiden ERC win with a fine drive aboard a Škoda Fabia RS Rally2. He ends the season fourth in the standings and wins the ERC Most Improved Driver award for the second year running.


A reminder that ERC Greatest Car voting continues on Monday 11 November with the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX taking on the Subaru Impreza STI N12.

A reminder that ERC Greatest Car voting continues on Monday 11 November with the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX taking on the Subaru Impreza STI N12.

Japan
Starts: Thursday, November 21, 2024 at 12:00:00 AM
Poland
Starts: Friday, October 11, 2024 at 9:30:00 AM
Turkey
Starts: Sunday, November 10, 2024 at 8:30:00 AM