Hayden Paddon’s European Rally Championship title defence continues with this weekend’s Rally di Roma Capitale in Italy.
The reigning champion is again joined by long-serving co-driver John Kennard in BRC Racing Team’s Hyundai i20 N Rally2 with high hopes to deliver a strong result for the outfit at their home event.
The Kiwi finished third in the 2023 edition of the event on his way to championship success.
An entry list of 90 competitors for Rally di Roma Capitale has been confirmed. Forty-two are eligible for European Rally Championship points, and 28 are competing alongside Paddon in ERC1.
The field includes two-time European title winner Giandomenico Basso, who returns to the championship in a Toyota GR Yaris Rallly2. 2022 Champion Efrén Llarena is another former ERC winner set to challenge in Rome.
Mathieu Franceschi, who sits second in the 2024 standings, only 10 points behind the Kiwi leader, is also confirmed, as are fellow contenders Mads Ostberg, Jon Armstrong, Simon Tempestini and 2023 runner-up Martins Sesks.
The all-asphalt rally covers 189.52 km of time action across 13 special stages.
The opening ceremony and first timed test take place in Rome, in front of the iconic Colosseum.
Fiuggi, located to the southeast of central Rome and made famous for its natural spring water and the healing powers it possesses, takes over as the event’s hub on Saturday and Sunday.
Two loops of three stages are run on each day, with the 28.74 kilometres of Santopadre – Fontana Liri Saturday’s longest stage and the 32.30-kilometre Rocca di Cave – Subiaco stage covering the furthest distance on Sunday.
The event concludes with the new Monastero – Jenne Power Stage, described by event organiser Max Rendina as “very difficult but also spectacular”, from 3.05 am NZST on Monday.
The 1.30 km Colosseo Aci Roma Super Special Stage begins at 6.00 am NZST on Saturday.
The first full day of action commences at 6.14 pm NZST on Saturday, followed by the final day from 5.50 pm on Sunday.
Rally di Roma Capitale can be watched with a paid subscription on rally.tv or followed through live updates on the European Rally Championship website.
Header Image: European Rally Championship
