Avbelj crowned CIAR Promotion Champion, Vaher and Rahill on the Rally4 podium. Johansson battles adversity, Kauppinen solid on tarmac.
The 2025 Rally di Roma Capitale closes on a high note for MS Munaretto, returning from the Italian ERC round with a bag full of podiums, stage wins, and renewed confidence for the rest of the season. On some of the most technical and unforgiving tarmac stages in the European calendar, the Veneto-based squad showed unity, grit and the ability to fight back — securing important results.
The undisputed star of the weekend was Bostjan Avbelj, who, alongside Elia De Guio in the Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 #25, clinched the 2025 Italian Rally Promotion Championship with two rounds to spare — his second national title after 2023.
Delivering a tactically flawless drive, Avbelj managed every phase of the rally with clarity, pushing hard when it mattered — as proven by his four stage wins on SS1, SS3, SS4, and SS5 — then easing off in the second loop of day two with his eyes firmly on the big prize.
It’s been a season to frame: a blazing start in the opening rounds followed by a run of composed, mature performances. All this despite changes in co-drivers — with Damian Andrejka on board in the early part of the season — and constant pressure. Cool-headed and clinical, Avbelj confirms himself as one of the standout talents in the current Italian Rally2 landscape.
It was a trickier but nonetheless meaningful rally for Mille Johansson and Johan Grönvall, who tackled the Roman challenge in their Škoda Fabia Rally2 Evo #8. The young Swede endured a tough rally, scattered with setbacks and tough stages on the twisty Lazio roads. Yet, he showed resilience and composure, finishing with a strong final leg that bodes well for upcoming events. The ERC continues — and Johansson remains a name worth watching.
In Rally4, there was no shortage of satisfaction.
Jaspar Vaher and Sander Pruul, in their Lancia Ypsilon Rally4 #56, delivered another thrilling performance in their usual no-holds-barred style. Focused and mistake-free, the Estonian duo clocked two category stage wins and secured a well-deserved second place on the podium. A strong result for both morale and points — true to their “full gas” philosophy.
Under tougher conditions but with textbook consistency, Tuukka Kauppinen and Veli-Pekka Karttunen brought their Lancia Ypsilon Rally4 #58 home in seventh place in class, bagging a Top Ten finish. Despite the Roman tarmac being far from their preferred terrain, the Finnish crew adapted admirably, showing grit and discipline — and taking home a valuable result for the season tally.
Last but not least, Craig Rahill, the promising young Irishman, made his debut with the team alongside Conor Smith in the Peugeot 208 Rally4 #70. Expectations were high — and Rahill did not disappoint. On his first official outing in MS Munaretto colours, he immediately impressed with his speed and character, snatching a surprise third place in class, just behind teammate Vaher. A debut that hints at a bright future ahead.
MS Munaretto leaves the Eternal City smiling — buoyed by results that confirm the team’s competitive edge and the strength of its sporting project across the board.
