Johansson buoyed by a Top 7 in Poland, Avbelj fresh off a podium at Due Valli, and Kauppinen in blistering form post-ERC Poland. Vaher hungry for redemption, while Rahill makes his team debut: the Veneto-based squad is all set to attack the Roman tarmac.
MS Munaretto is geared up for Rally di Roma Capitale 2025 – one of the most eagerly anticipated asphalt rounds of the European calendar. Running from July 4th to 6th, the event will kick off from the heart of Rome before heading out towards Fiuggi, covering a total distance of 811.55 km, including 207.82 km of competitive action over 13 special stages, with 603.73 km of liaison.
The Italian outfit lines up five crews across the Rally2 and Rally4 classes, fielding a well-balanced mix of experience, raw speed, and international promise.
Back in the seat of the Škoda Fabia Rally2 Evo with car number 8 is Mille Johansson, once again alongside Johan Grönvall. Fresh from an impressive seventh overall in the ERC round in Poland, the Swedish driver has shown consistency and growing pace on tricky surfaces. He heads to Rome determined to consolidate his status among the front-runners in Rally2.
Flying the team’s colours in CIAR Promozione is Bostjan Avbelj, co-driven by Elia De Guio, behind the wheel of the Škoda Fabia RS Rally2, number 25. The Slovenian ace recently claimed an excellent third place in the Promozione class at Rally Due Valli, and now sets his sights on the fast, technical roads of central Italy. Rome is a pivotal round in his chase for the title, and its challenging tarmac could once again play to his strengths in adaptability and race management.
In the Rally4 category, Jaspar Vaher and Sander Pruul return to action in the Lancia Ypsilon Rally4, sporting number 56, determined to bounce back after their retirement in the final leg of ERC Poland. The young Estonian has the pace to contend at the sharp end and will be hunting for redemption on Italian ground.
All eyes will also be on Tuukka Kauppinen, with Veli-Pekka Karttunen on the notes, in the sister Lancia Ypsilon Rally4, car number 58. The Finnish youngster arrives in Rome riding high after a third-place finish in his class at ERC Poland three weeks ago. His progression has been both clear and consistent, and the Roman stages will provide the perfect platform to test his ever-growing potential.
Completing the MS Munaretto line-up is Irish hopeful Craig Rahill, who makes his official debut with the team. Piloting the Peugeot 208 Rally4 with car number 70 and guided by Conor Smith, this marks Rahill’s first international outing with the Italian squad. Expectations are high – with plenty of talent and speed in his arsenal, the iconic Roman setting offers the ideal backdrop for the start of a promising journey.
