102 entries: https://www.ewrc-results.com/entries...capitale-2021/
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Full entry list is here.
Rally3 is still NOT popular class, every entry is getting trophy ...
Gryazin and Veiby in, Stritesky also as Mirek previously mentioned.
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.
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.
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-d...capitale-2021/
Ahhhh I thought Skoda had "hired" Lukyanuk (like Mikkelsen or something like that)
Well... C3 it is then! Go Luky
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-...n-the-baltics/
47 photos from the service park are available here:
https://www.rallylink.it/cms20/index...ry6f355c4da3-1
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-link...as-erc-attack/
What will be the starting order for tomorrow?
You need to wait for selection - today's evening in Rome.
Qually winner Gryazin chose to go 15th on the road !!
That's really weird choice for an asphalt rally but luckily for him there isn't that much cutting and dirt in Rome.
Luky 13th and Breen 11 th.
For sure there is a reason,
Maybe after successive gravel rallies he simply forgot and automatically went for 15th. Or he wanted to start near his mate Lukyanuk
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...
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.
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.
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.
This SS’0’ this evening counts for the rally or not? (now live on Youtube)
Italian coverage https://www.acisport.it/it/aci-sport-tv
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...le-2020/?leg=1
Rally di Roma Capitale 2020, final results:
1. Lukyanuk
2. Basso
3. Solberg
https://www.ewrc-results.com/final/6...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.
Bit of a whack by Andolfi ...
There's way more action on the ACI site: https://www.acisport.it/it/aci-sport-tv
Stritesky with big sideways in last corner, likely cost 1-2s.
SS2 delayed
Looks like a battle between the locals Basso & Crugnola for the win.