[ERC] Rally di Roma Capitale 2021 [Archive]

Lead

18th July 2021, 09:56

Full entry list is here (https://storage.googleapis.com/download/storage/v1/b/sportity-storage/o/5591342d-57ae-4698-b411-73fc9f48b1f7%2Fdb585545-c6df-4043-9634-6132ead49373_FINAL%20Entry%20List.pdf?generation=1 626460590750680&alt=media).

From full gravel spec to full tarmac setup in just couple of days for Lukyanuk, Mikkelsen, Gryazin, Breen. Will be interesting to see who adapts fastest.

Fast Eddie WRC

18th July 2021, 13:11

From full gravel spec to full tarmac setup in just couple of days for Lukyanuk, Mikkelsen, Gryazin, Breen. Will be interesting to see who adapts fastest.

Breen has huge tarmac experience and done the Italian Ch'ship.

Lead

18th July 2021, 21:43

Breen has huge tarmac experience and done the Italian Ch'ship.

On MRF tyres?

mknight

19th July 2021, 05:36

Well yes as always there is pros and cons for everyone.

Breen has most experience on Italian tarmac both from before and this year, but the MRF tires are likely not as good. I20 seems competetive on Italian smooth tarmac.

Lukyanuk has driven here before and won last year, but has not driven tarmac this year yet and hasn't driven the upgraded C3 Rally2 on tarmac yet either (might be a bit different setup). C3 should be good on smooth tarmac but almost nobody drives it in Italy.

Gryazin was in Roma at least two time before, but last time in 2019 crashed in second stage. Drove some tarmac this year. Polo seems a bit up/down on this tarmac, Basso was somehow struggling with it.

Mikkelsen never drove in Roma and last time on Italian tarmac outside Monza was in 2012. Drove Croatia this year, but hasn't driven on tarmac Michelin since 2017. But as dimviii will tell us that's just excuses. Fabia seems allround best car in Italy.

Fast Eddie WRC

19th July 2021, 10:32

On MRF tyres?

I still think he will 'adapt quickest' which was your question...

Ucci

19th July 2021, 13:45

From full gravel spec to full tarmac setup in just couple of days for Lukyanuk,

No problem for Luky, his Fabia "for one time show" needs full extension body repair :smash:; thanks god for his team that his "usual" C3 is already parked for some time:)...

mknight

20th July 2021, 07:37

Really excited about Stritesky, he will also have Cais with similar background for comparison.

Good move to drive internationally as soon as possible, now if only someone (Skoda?) send him on some gravel to learn.

Fast Eddie WRC

22nd July 2021, 13:15

What’s new for 2021 ?

The fifth Rally di Roma Capitale to count for the ERC kick-offs with a spectacular superspecial stage in the heart of the Eternal City with the all-new Caracalla ACI Roma stage due to take place from 20h00 CET on Friday July 23. Located close to the Colosseum and Circus Maximus, the stage will start from Via San Balbina and will total 2.72 kilometres over a loop around the Terme di Caracalla, repeated twice. SS1 Caracalla ACI Roma will follow the ceremonial start at Castel Sant’Angelo from 19h00 and the traditional Roma parade. In other changes, Collepardo – Civita on Sunday is a new addition, but the famous Pico stage is not included on this year’s itinerary.

https://www.fiaerc.com/event/rally-di-roma-capitale-2021/

fiscorpun

22nd July 2021, 13:48

Ahhhh I thought Skoda had "hired" Lukyanuk (like Mikkelsen or something like that)
Well... C3 it is then! Go Luky

Jarek Z

22nd July 2021, 19:04

Ahhhh I thought Skoda had "hired" Lukyanuk (like Mikkelsen or something like that)

No no, Skoda didn't hire Lukyanuk. Rally Estonia was a one-off event for him, thanks to a Russian "rally philanthropist" :)
https://www.fiaerc.com/erc-champion-lukyanuk-all-set-to-fly-high-twice-in-the-baltics/

Jarek Z

22nd July 2021, 21:11

47 photos from the service park are available here:
https://www.rallylink.it/cms20/index.php/romacapitale-2021#gallery6f355c4da3-1

Jarek Z

22nd July 2021, 22:03

Hyundai Rally Team Italia attacks Rally di Roma Capitale with two crews:
1) Umberto Scandola / Danilo Fappani
2) Andrea Crugnola / Pietro Ometto
https://www.fiaerc.com/crugnola-links-up-with-scandola-to-double-hyundai-rally-team-italias-erc-attack/

Sulland

23rd July 2021, 11:26

What will be the starting order for tomorrow?

Tom K

23rd July 2021, 11:27

You need to wait for selection - today's evening in Rome.

Fast Eddie WRC

23rd July 2021, 17:06

Qually winner Gryazin chose to go 15th on the road !!

mknight

23rd July 2021, 17:14

Qually winner Gryazin chose to go 15th on the road !!

And Breen commented that it only makes sense if he wants to sleep longer in the morning but not for the rally.

Mirek

23rd July 2021, 17:31

That's really weird choice for an asphalt rally but luckily for him there isn't that much cutting and dirt in Rome.

dimviii

23rd July 2021, 17:42

Luky 13th and Breen 11 th.
For sure there is a reason,

mknight

23rd July 2021, 17:44

Luky 13th and Breen 11 th.
For sure there is a reason,

Yeah very advanced one... they were 12th and 14th on qualifying and those were the "highest" spots left when they got to choose.

Fast Eddie WRC

23rd July 2021, 17:45

Maybe after successive gravel rallies he simply forgot and automatically went for 15th. Or he wanted to start near his mate Lukyanuk

dimviii

23rd July 2021, 17:51

Yeah very advanced one... they were 12th and 14th on qualifying and those were the "highest" spots left when they got to choose.

you really believe that Luky and Breen the best they could do at qualifying was 11th and 14th time?

dimviii

23rd July 2021, 17:52

Maybe after successive gravel rallies he simply forgot and automatically went for 15th. Or he wanted to start near his mate Lukyanuk

checking other competitors times,and adapting their pace imho

Fast Eddie WRC

23rd July 2021, 17:56

Mikkelsen choosing to open the road and so having no braking marks of others is also a bit odd, and when he didnt have to...

mknight

23rd July 2021, 17:57

Maybe after successive gravel rallies he simply forgot and automatically went for 15th. Or he wanted to start near his mate Lukyanuk

I probably doesn't matter much in the end.
First on the road might do some dust-cleaning (dunno if that's and issue here) and won't have lines.

Late starters might get dirt from cuts and have a chance to catch someone with trouble or get notional times.

If rain was forecasted it's also usually better to start early. (though Lukyanuk meant the opposite last year in Canarias).

The (only) question is when Gryazin doesn't want to start early why didn't he choose something like 5-10?

For reference Basso picked 2nd after winning qualifying last year. This year when he could pick 2nd was available but he went for the first available later number.

Mirek

23rd July 2021, 17:58

Mikkelsen choosing to open the road and so having no braking marks of others is also a bit odd, and when he didnt have to...

If You are confident you don't need the marks of the ohers. You can use the cleanest possible road though (and make it dirtier for others as well).

Fast Eddie WRC

23rd July 2021, 18:03

you really believe that Luky and Breen the best they could do at qualifying was 11th and 14th time?

Lukyanuk after QS:
During the practice there were many cars at the start as a result of the racing accident. We had to stay for a while and breath deeply before the Italians restarted the special stage.
However we finished the qualifying stage at the disappointing 14th position. Now the engineer is trying to find out what is preventing the car from driving fast. Everything seems to be ok, but there’s no speed. I’m upset, but let’s see what is in store for us.

mknight

23rd July 2021, 18:04

you really believe that Luky and Breen the best they could do at qualifying was 11th and 14th time?

Both improved their times significantly over SD runs and Lukyanuk also improved a lot compared with last year.

Breen said at stopline that he couldn't do anything more.

I don't believe they went crazy push, but they certainly weren't cruising.

For reference SD/qualifying is steep climb with very few very fast turns and 3 hairpins.

23rd July 2021, 18:12

This SS’0’ this evening counts for the rally or not? (now live on Youtube)

Fast Eddie WRC

23rd July 2021, 18:18

Italian coverage https://www.acisport.it/it/aci-sport-tv

Jarek Z

23rd July 2021, 18:24

Is it really worth playing any games in a qualifying stage for a tarmac rally? Let's have a look at last year.

Rally di Roma Capitale 2020, starting order:
1. Solberg
2. Basso
3. Lukyanuk
https://www.ewrc-results.com/entries/61092-rally-di-roma-capitale-2020/?leg=1

Rally di Roma Capitale 2020, final results:
1. Lukyanuk
2. Basso
3. Solberg
https://www.ewrc-results.com/final/61092-rally-di-roma-capitale-2020/

So the conclusion is clear - the ones that were fastest during qualifying stage were also fastest during the rally. There was no gain to be 15th on a starting list.

Fast Eddie WRC

23rd July 2021, 18:25

Bit of a whack by Andolfi ...

Fast Eddie WRC

23rd July 2021, 18:30

There's way more action on the ACI site: https://www.acisport.it/it/aci-sport-tv

mknight

23rd July 2021, 18:45

So the conclusion is clear - the ones that were fastest during qualifying stage were also fastest during the rally. There was no gain to be 15th on a starting list.

As I wrote SD/qualifying is basically steep uphill with relatively simple turns. So I'd expect engine power to matter a bit more than during rest of the rally. (Might be something to follow since SS1 is uphill all the time while SS2 is downhill only)

mknight

23rd July 2021, 19:11

Stritesky with big sideways in last corner, likely cost 1-2s.

Lead

24th July 2021, 08:22

SS2 delayed

Fast Eddie WRC

24th July 2021, 08:29

Looks like a battle between the locals Basso & Crugnola for the win.

Lead

24th July 2021, 08:32

Still a lot of fast guys to come

dimviii

24th July 2021, 08:33

Gryazin +2 min what happened?

Lead

24th July 2021, 08:50

Gryazin +2 min what happened?

Front left damage reported

Tom K

24th July 2021, 09:00

Indications that some idiots puts rocks on the stage... Crazy.

dimviii

24th July 2021, 09:04

Craig Breen: I found so many stones in the middle of the road, but saw so many 11: 32.5
Llarena: on the first test some spectators put a stone in the middle of the road, this is not the way to do things, we are not playing 11: 22.3

dimviii

24th July 2021, 09:05

Lukyanuk Alexey - Arnautov Alexey
"Many thanks for the team because they brought old-spec dampers from France overnight and the car feels great now. Yesterday it was a nightmare. Now it's not 100% perfect but it's not bad."

Fast Eddie WRC

24th July 2021, 09:06

So there were no QS tactics...

dimviii

24th July 2021, 09:15

FIA ERC
@FIAERC
Nikolay Gryazin hit a sharp little stone that damaged the front bumper and caused a puncture in SS1, which explains his time loss (over 2 minutes).
He's 5th quickest in SS2.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E7DOGzkXsAA73Zr?format=jpg&name=small

Sulland

24th July 2021, 09:35

Oscar Sounds very much like his father when speaking english. Henning has also taken the trip to italy to support!

Jarek Z

24th July 2021, 10:03

Indications that some idiots puts rocks on the stage... Crazy.

It's not the first time when something like that happens in Italy. What's wrong with those people?!

Jarek Z

24th July 2021, 10:04

Henning has also taken the trip to italy to support!

Yes, he was shown at the finish line of the first stage during the live broadcast yesterday.

Jarek Z

24th July 2021, 10:11

There is some Toyota Yaris GR Rally Cup in Italy:
https://www.rallylink.it/cms20/images/gallery/roma_05/203.JPG

Jarek Z

24th July 2021, 10:14

I didn't even notice that Arai is competing in this event:
https://www.rallylink.it/cms20/images/gallery/roma_05/083.JPG

dimviii

24th July 2021, 10:29

Nil solans
@NilSolans

Confusion on a note and I stopped where it wasn't playing Disappointed face
Broken radiator and we can't continue #RallydiRoma

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E7DV34PWUAYP6Dv?format=jpg&name=large

24th July 2021, 11:05

Why is Mikkelsen and Veiby so slow? Breen´s reason must be MRF?

Lead

24th July 2021, 11:09

Why is Mikkelsen and Veiby so slow? Breen´s reason must be MRF?

Mikkelsen hit something in ss2, broke suspension.

"I hit something on the inside, the car was on two wheels. There is something on the suspension, it's understeering like crazy."

Dont know about Breen though. Veiby on tarmac on his best.

Ucci

24th July 2021, 11:12

Perfect start in the event from Basso and Crungola. Showing that Italian drivers are still masters of home soil.

er88

24th July 2021, 11:26

Cant really gauge Breen good or bad due to the tyres. The tyres seem better on the gravel than they are on the tarmac though? Been so many brands than give it a go in rallying for a few years, then really fall away. Hankook and Dmack come to mind. Hope MRF stick it out, but it's hard to compete with Pirelli and Michelin.

Disaster for Mikkelsen. Pace was nothing special on the first stage this morning, but not too much of an issue. However damaging the suspension has killed him. Wonder exactly what the issue is.

Good job from Basso. Always liked him as a driver. Wish he got a proper full IRC season back in 2010/11 with a better car than the proton.

Luky had a decent morning too, all things considered

Lead

24th July 2021, 11:30

Disaster for Mikkelsen. Pace was nothing special on the first stage this morning, but not too much of an issue. However damaging the suspension has killed him. Wonder exactly what the issue is.

He didnt stop at ss3 stage end interview, so he must be furious. He is 30sec behind leaders and "only" 10sec behind 4th place. Still a lot of km's to go and everything can happen.

Lead

24th July 2021, 12:16

SS4 is live on youtube now

Fast Eddie WRC

24th July 2021, 12:25

SS4 is live on youtube now

I got a mention ! :)

Fast Eddie WRC

24th July 2021, 12:26

Mikkelsen still not happy.

24th July 2021, 13:03

Llarena doing a good job here so far.

Lead

24th July 2021, 13:23

Its really strange, ss4 Mikkelsen puts up a ok time, but next one he is dominated by everyone.

Fast Eddie WRC

24th July 2021, 13:47

Its really strange, ss4 Mikkelsen puts up a ok time, but next one he is dominated by everyone.

The longer Stage 5 will show his understeer issue more...

Fast Eddie WRC

24th July 2021, 13:58

SS6 should be live on: https://www.acisport.it/it/aci-sport-tv

er88

24th July 2021, 14:33

Christ, Mikkelsen sounds lost and beaten in that post stage interview on SS4.
Just managed to catch up on the coverage on youtube

Lead

24th July 2021, 14:41

Fast Eddie WRC

24th July 2021, 14:42

Great to hear Chris Ingram on ERC radio. :)

Fast Eddie WRC

24th July 2021, 15:03

Mikkelsen on-board SS1
https://youtu.be/mmciA_cDxXQ

er88

24th July 2021, 15:33

This is the one thing I dont understand... how could a professional team like Toksport (direct Skoda factory support) who has tons of experience on tarmac events could be so wrong in settings? Mikkelsen also is very experienced on tarmac with Skoda, how could you even get settings so wrong you're out of competition because of that?The fact Mikkelsen made what he said were "good changes" at service - yet is still nowhere - is a worry.

Really enjoyable battle between the two Italians out front. Luky very open about how he can't match them, but is still doing a good job.

Edit - Mikkelsen putting it down to not switching his brain from gravel to tarmac......, Says everyone is struggling with understeer but he's struggling more.

Jarek Z

24th July 2021, 17:07

Why is Mikkelsen and Veiby so slow?

What did you expect from Veiby? Is it not his normal speed?

Jarek Z

24th July 2021, 17:08

Great drive from Crugnola. Is it going to be the first ever victory for Hyundai in the ERC?

Fast Eddie WRC

24th July 2021, 17:35

From full gravel spec to full tarmac setup in just couple of days for Lukyanuk, Mikkelsen, Gryazin, Breen. Will be interesting to see who adapts fastest.

Certainly not Mikkelsen ! ;)

Lead

24th July 2021, 17:42

Certainly not Mikkelsen ! ;)

Yeah, and Breen too.

24th July 2021, 18:11

I don't know what's up with Mikelssen/Toksport. The position on the leaderboard looks worse than the time difference because this rally is ridiculously competitive but i'm sure Andreas can do better than this and we know the car can because there are several Fabias ahead of him on the leaderboard. Maybe the Michelin are a disadvantage here but again that can't be the only answer as Llarena, Marczyk, Andolfi and Tempestini are all in Michelin-Fabias and ahead.

Fast Eddie WRC

24th July 2021, 18:25

Yeah, and Breen too.

I dont think it was him, more the MRFs.

Ucci

24th July 2021, 19:08

I dont think it was him, more the MRFs.
I agree, MRF is crap on tarmac.

Sulland

24th July 2021, 20:55

This rally shows the importance of getting Rally Grimstad, on the Norwegian championship calendar. It is so far the one amd only asphalt rally we have.

There are some asphalt minirallies that has been on and off.
But up here north, it is only Denmark that are best on Asphalt, the rest need more training from young age.

Fast Eddie WRC

24th July 2021, 21:53

I dont see any ERC Highlights show on Eurosport tonight - but they have 10 channels of Tokyo Olympics....

25th July 2021, 05:38

I dont see any ERC Highlights show on Eurosport tonight - but they have 10 channels of Tokyo Olympics....

Highlights show on Youtube Tuesday evening apparantely:

https://www.fiaerc.com/watch-on-tv/

Lead

25th July 2021, 05:50

FIA ERC site is down?

dimviii

25th July 2021, 06:07

FIA ERC site is down?

seems like that,cant connect too.

dimviii

25th July 2021, 06:08

FIA ERC
@FIAERC
·
15m
Stage 7 will start with a 15 minutes delay.
#FIAERC #RallyDiRomaCapitale

dimviii

25th July 2021, 06:27

, the way of "warming up the tires" before the show test last night by Damiano De Tommaso, was not liked by the Stewards who imposed a 20 second penalty on the driver from Varese. Then the classification changes and from being an excellent fourth in the general classification at the end of the first stage, Damiano finds himself tenth.

Stage is live.
Fabio Andolfi clipped a hay bale but still sets the quickest time so far. Yoann Bonato went off in 5th gear but luckily no damage on the car!

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E7Hw9i7WEAIzqyS?format=jpg&name=small

Lead

25th July 2021, 06:45

Where is Veiby?

dimviii

25th July 2021, 06:49

Where is Veiby?

Veiby touches in practice and stops (crew ok)

https://www.rallylink.it/cms20/images/Diretteweb_2021/Roma_2021/veiby.jpg

Lead

25th July 2021, 07:22

Problems for Crugnola

tommeke_B

25th July 2021, 07:26

Differences yesterday night may seem extremely small, but there was only 67km of stages covered so far... 123km of special stages today.

dimviii

25th July 2021, 07:56

Problems for Crugnola

from ewrc.cz

Info
#19
flag
Crugnola Andrea - Ometto Pietro Elia
puncture

Sulland

25th July 2021, 08:16

Is there another way to the radiofeed, now that the fiaerc site is down?

cosmin_sb

25th July 2021, 08:47

Lyukyanuk accident in the SS 9

dupanton

25th July 2021, 09:01

Guigou 3th overall with the Alpine in SS9 :D

Sulland

25th July 2021, 09:02

Who was in the stage when Luky went off?

cosmin_sb

25th July 2021, 09:06

Who was in the stage when Luky went off?

Breen said he had red flag

Lead

25th July 2021, 09:10

Mikkelsen also was driving slow at the beginning of the stage

Fast Eddie WRC

25th July 2021, 09:21

Lukyanuk's car looks ok - thankfully the fire was only very small.

Sulland

25th July 2021, 09:23

So what happened to the C3 of Luky?
Did it just catch fire?

Lead

25th July 2021, 09:24

So what happened to the C3 of Luky?
Did it just catch fire?

He hit a olive tree and car caught fire afterwards. Both are OK.

Sulland

25th July 2021, 10:03

Did something happen to Ken Torn?
Solberg came up as finished on ss9, but not Torn.

Edit; Result from Torn came in late, not sure why.

Lead

25th July 2021, 11:09

On first stage in the morning Luky already said he is loosing rear of the car. The accident took place on last stage of the loop and at the end of it, so my guess is tires was worn out and he simply lost the grip.

dimviii

25th July 2021, 11:10

Alexey Lukyanuk
@AlexeyLukyanuk
·
49m
Unfortunately, this rally is over for us. At the SS Santopadre we slipped on the sand, went off the track a little bit,but hit a tree with our rear wheel, broke the lever and got stuck. There was grass under the car that caught fire a few minutes later–we used a fire extinguisher
It is lucky that there was a household nearby from where they brought us some water – we flooded the whole thing. So lucky!

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E7InBzYWYAAUTOa?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E7InBzZXMAIzd_4?format=jpg&name=large

Fast Eddie WRC

25th July 2021, 12:19

Lukys off onboard https://twitter.com/eWRCresults/status/1419268893479145481?s=20

dimviii

25th July 2021, 12:34

Lukys off onboard https://twitter.com/eWRCresults/status/1419268893479145481?s=20

oversteer he was mentioning from morning

Jarek Z

25th July 2021, 13:37

I dont see any ERC Highlights show on Eurosport tonight - but they have 10 channels of Tokyo Olympics....

Yes, I studied the tv schedule for Eurosport and Eurosport 2 very closely and they are broadcasting Tokyo Olympics 24 hours a day...

Fast Eddie WRC

25th July 2021, 13:44

Amazing 3rd fastest by Devine on SS11 !

Jarek Z

25th July 2021, 13:55

He hit a olive tree and car caught fire afterwards. Both are OK.

Even Lukyanuk's crash won't help Mikkelsen to take over the lead in the champinship. If my calculations are right Luky will remain in the first place after this event.

Jarek Z

25th July 2021, 14:03

Crugnola after SS9:
https://www.rallylink.it/cms20/images/Diretteweb_2021/Roma_2021/crugnola_9.jpg

Jarek Z

25th July 2021, 14:05

De Tommaso after SS10:
https://www.rallylink.it/cms20/images/Diretteweb_2021/Roma_2021/detommaso10.jpg

Jarek Z

25th July 2021, 14:06

A mistake on a hairpin:
https://www.rallylink.it/cms20/images/gallery/roma_06/IMG_0726.JPG

polomayu

25th July 2021, 14:25

2nd and 3rd Erc3 splitted by 0.6 sec before two last stages!

er88

25th July 2021, 14:38

Nice stage from Tempestini to pull away from Mikkelsen

dimviii

25th July 2021, 15:31

FIA ERC
@FIAERC

Oscar Solberg is off the road in SS12. Crew OK.
#FIAERC #RallyDiRomaCapitale

Fast Eddie WRC

25th July 2021, 15:41

Lukyanuk confirmed that it is planned that his Citroën will be brought to parc fermé in Fiuggi in order for him to claim the three day bonus points from leg one. “I don’t think it will play a role in the championship but let’s do it,” the Russian driver said.

https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/static.fiaerc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/PHOTO-2021-07-25-13-17-42-800x450.jpg

Fast Eddie WRC

25th July 2021, 15:43

Oscar hahaha

https://twitter.com/FIAERC/status/1419320550967676938

FIA ERC
@FIAERC
*Update*
Oscar Solberg made it to the finish of SS12

Fast Eddie WRC

25th July 2021, 16:09

Great solid drives by Herczig, Llarena & Marczyk putting the big names in the shade.

Mirek

25th July 2021, 16:45

mknight

25th July 2021, 16:57

Well it was brought up before the rally who of the 4 "top" pilots will adapt best from and in the end all 4 had bad rally:

Going by result:

Mikkelsen - "suffered" 8th place with very bad first day, most notably two passes of the long stage that was full downhill where he lost half of his 1 min at the end. Pace around the "non Italians" on day two but still says he doesn't work with the car at all on this tarmac. Getting a bit of a pattern, just like in Poland first rally on different type of surface on new tires with very limited testing and bad setup. First time ever here while everyone else in top 10 has been here 2+ times but dimvii will tell you that's just an excuse.

Breen - also "suffered" 9th which on MRF tires doesn't sound too bad, but he was 4th here last year and has done 3 Italian rounds already this year, winning one and finish 2nd on another (on Pirelli). Most interesting how he at the end of every stage says that he enjoys everything and is so happy to be here, some hard PR drill from MRF.

Gryazin - only one of these 4 to even win a single stage, yet his pace even without the two punctures (+ last stage) was somewhere around Lukyanuk, so 3-4ish. Also lost a lot of time on the "downhill" stage like Mikkelsen. Can be argued that his startingposition pick on day one contributed to the first puncture.

Lukyanuk - "saved" by new dampers from France overnight after very slow qualifying and show stage, yet even with that "save" was clearly behind those two Italians and started to loose even more before crashing. Somehow the biggest difference since he won here last year in "almost" same car by winning all stages on day 1. This year didn't win a single one.

Final point is that the competition level was much higher that last year. Last year Solberg was 3th 1min behind. This year 1 min behind was 7-ish.

mknight

25th July 2021, 17:04

Also as already mentioned - with such an obvious dominance of Škodas in this event the performance of Mikkelsen (only seventh best of Škoda drivers) looks really disturbing. He seems to be quite lost this season.

Obviously he was lost here.

Yet I find it hard to see how you can lead WRC2 and ERC (think after Rome he is 1 point behind, but without the special Liepaja penalty he would lead clearly) by being lost the whole season.

dimviii

25th July 2021, 17:37

Mikkelsen - "suffered" 8th place with very bad first day, most notably two passes of the long stage that was full downhill where he lost half of his 1 min at the end. Pace around the "non Italians" on day two but still says he doesn't work with the car at all on this tarmac. Getting a bit of a pattern, just like in Poland first rally on different type of surface on new tires with very limited testing and bad setup. First time ever here while everyone else in top 10 has been here 2+ times but dimvii will tell you that's just an excuse.

.

you had already give the excuses before rally.

Man the truth is with such pace,it will be difficult to drive next year at erc.
For wrc dont even think about it.

Mirek

25th July 2021, 17:52

Obviously he was lost here.

Yet I find it hard to see how you can lead WRC2 and ERC (think after Rome he is 1 point behind, but without the special Liepaja penalty he would lead clearly) by being lost the whole season.

His aim is to get back to the WRC seat but his pace through this season obviously hasn't been good enough for anything better than a paid drive. It's natural to have higher expectations for a former WRC works driver and moreover one of the most experienced rally drivers in the world.

mousti

25th July 2021, 18:20

I find it quite weird aswell he can do a good job to get WRC2 points in Ypres, experience there, car suits the stages aswell very good and the opposition is quite weak then for WRC2. But seems he will skip it..

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Mirek

25th July 2021, 18:22

2nd and 3rd Erc3 splitted by 0.6 sec before two last stages!

Franceschi won by 0,1s!

Sulland

25th July 2021, 19:45

Why is Mikkelsen using Michelins in ERC and Not Pirelli as he must use in WRC?
I guess the Pirellis used are the same tyres, and not different inmthe two series?

And did Oscar have to retire after his off on ss12?

Ucci

25th July 2021, 20:46

Huge congrats to Basso! Clearly the man of this event.

er88

25th July 2021, 21:14

His aim is to get back to the WRC seat but his pace through this season obviously hasn't been good enough for anything better than a paid drive. It's natural to have higher expectations for a former WRC works driver and moreover one of the most experienced rally drivers in the world.I think he might be broken mentally - because surely he can drive better than what we've seen. Sounded totally defeated in a few interviews over the weekend. Reality hitting him hard now.
His comments before the start of the season have become some of the worst quotes I can remember from a driver in ages

er88

25th July 2021, 21:18

Huge congrats to Basso! Clearly the man of this event.Superb. Italian rallying is so strong.

Jarek Z

26th July 2021, 09:36

Apart from Basso and Crugnola, the driver that impressed me in this rally was... Norbert Herczig. Not only did he stay in top 6 during nearly the whole rally, but on the last stage, despite being in a very good 4th position, he put everything on one card, won the long 20-km stage and took the 3rd position from Llarena! What a commitment! Congratulations!

Herczig said at the finish line: This was sport over the whole weekend. Efren is very young and very fast, congratulations. A few years ago we couldn't reach the podium, we did a lot of work since then with our team and partners. It was a big fight.

https://newsline.news/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Norbert-Herczig-and-Ramon-Ferencz-ended-the-Rally-Rome-on.jpg

Fast Eddie WRC

26th July 2021, 10:33

Huge congrats to Basso! Clearly the man of this event.

Crugnola was right with him too but for a puncture.

pantealex

26th July 2021, 13:54

Maybe stupid question but:

Why Alpine R-GT is not ERC2 ?

Abarth R-GT is ERC2

What is the difference ?

m-ast

26th July 2021, 14:16

Maybe stupid question but:

Why Alpine R-GT is not ERC2 ?

Abarth R-GT is ERC2

What is the difference ?

Not registered drivers I suposse, the car is eligible, but those drivers were only registered for the FIA RGT cup

dimviii

26th July 2021, 14:59

dimviii

26th July 2021, 17:46

https://youtu.be/TyOwv6fhc_c

fiscorpun

26th July 2021, 18:27

This is my favorite thing about the european championship: You have a round in Italy and then the Italians kick some asses. Something I dont want to lose if the new promoter change something in erc rules as a whole cuz to me this is the point of erc. Having some full time drivers fighting the best in each country.

PLuto

27th July 2021, 11:24

you really believe that Luky and Breen the best they could do at qualifying was 11th and 14th time?

Yes. They wanted to be faster, of course...

PLuto

27th July 2021, 11:26

Is it really worth playing any games in a qualifying stage for a tarmac rally?

Nobody was playing any game in qualifying stage in Rome. Everybody wanted to be fastest.

PLuto

27th July 2021, 11:27

As I wrote SD/qualifying is basically steep uphill with relatively simple turns. So I'd expect engine power to matter a bit more than during rest of the rally. (Might be something to follow since SS1 is uphill all the time while SS2 is downhill only)

QS had first very fast part with fast corners, only last part was uphill with slow corners/hairpins. As every tenths of second is important there, some of drivers were "overpushing" and were loosing...

PLuto

27th July 2021, 11:29

Why is Mikkelsen and Veiby so slow? Breen´s reason must be MRF?

It is easy - other drivers were faster ;)

PLuto

27th July 2021, 11:30

Perfect start in the event from Basso and Crungola. Showing that Italian drivers are still masters of home soil.

Basso proved it also abroad that he can be fast not only on home soil. And I was counting Crugnola as biggest talent in Italy for long time, but he didnt fulfilled his potential (because of different reasons). But I am sure if he will go abroad, he can be fast there too.

PLuto

27th July 2021, 11:37

Seven Fabias in top ten. Surprising for me here in Rome because that's like in Czech championship where few other cars run...

Also as already mentioned - with such an obvious dominance of Škodas in this event the performance of Mikkelsen (only seventh best of Škoda drivers) looks really disturbing. He seems to be quite lost this season.

Yes, but it is also about "lucK" and drivers. Without punctures or penalty also Campedelli and mainly De Tommaso should be on top. Same for Bonato...

PLuto

27th July 2021, 11:40

Maybe stupid question but:

Why Alpine R-GT is not ERC2 ?

Abarth R-GT is ERC2

What is the difference ?

Like m-ast wrote, all three Alpine drivers were not interested to be registered in ERC2.

Fast Eddie WRC

27th July 2021, 13:14

Mikkelsen’s final-stage spin rounded out a weekend of frustration for the Toksport WRT driver, who reported a two-wheeled moment on SS2 following a knock and was never truly at ease with the set-up of his Škoda Fabia Rally2 or his pacenotes on his Rally di Roma Capitale debut.

“It’s been tough,” he said. “A lot of it comes down to the preparations coming straight from Estonia and many gravel rallies in a row and only a very small test before. I just needed yesterday to dial myself a little bit in to asphalt. I don’t think I had the aggressivity and the speed in the corners which you need to have on Tarmac. But today was much better and we need to learn from this.”

https://www.fiaerc.com/mikkelsen-one-point-off-erc-lead-despite-fifth-gear-off/

Fast Eddie WRC

28th July 2021, 10:06

45min event highlights:

https://youtu.be/cJGDGNYpF-w

fiscorpun

28th July 2021, 18:34

45min event highlights:

https://youtu.be/cJGDGNYpF-w

I watched the 2019 season like this, but they only posted these videos on youtube during the 2020 pandemic. Is this what the eurosport coverage looks like? Its great! I think I found the Latvia's 45 min highlights on a russian site last week. I saved to watch it later but the link went down =/

28th July 2021, 21:54

45min event highlights:

https://youtu.be/cJGDGNYpF-w

I don’t have Eurosport anymore so it’s been a while since I last saw the full highlights programme and I must say there’s been a big improvement in the show, not so much the footage but the script and the narration.

Also, great to have it on Youtube, pity they don’t do that all the time.

the sniper

28th July 2021, 23:20

I don’t have Eurosport anymore so it’s been a while since I last saw the full highlights programme and I must say there’s been a big improvement in the show, not so much the footage but the script and the narration.

Also, great to have it on Youtube, pity they don’t do that all the time.

Eurosport has sharpened up its act all round in recent times under Discovery, the UK feed at least.

Fast Eddie WRC

29th July 2021, 09:29

I don’t have Eurosport anymore so it’s been a while since I last saw the full highlights programme and I must say there’s been a big improvement in the show, not so much the footage but the script and the narration.

I think the comms is by ERC reporter Chris Rawes and not the usual generic Eurosport guy, hence the improvement.

Jarek Z

1st August 2021, 19:44

how do you see the Italian championship level?

For sure it's not what it used to be. Basso has been a class of his own for the last 15 years, but what about the others? 90% of Italian drivers can't even keep the pace of 46-year-old Nobert Herczig (who never achieved anything outside of Hungary) or 25-year-old Miko Marczyk (who never achieved anything outside of Poland). Andolfi, Campedelli, Scattolon and Scandola were supposed to be the new Italian talents. Where are they now?