Emil Lindholm Returns to FIA ERC Scene for Rally di Roma Capitale

Finnish rally driver Emil Lindholm is set to make a highly anticipated return to the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) at the upcoming Rally di Roma Capitale, taking place from July 4 to 6, 2025. This event marks nearly five years since Lindholm's debut in the series, where he first competed on the same Italian asphalt.

Lindholm's initial foray into the ERC occurred in 2020, where he secured a ninth-place finish during his only previous appearance at the Rally di Roma. As he prepares for his return, Lindholm will be driving a Škoda Fabia RS Rally2, a significant upgrade from the Rally2 Evo model he used in 2020. He will be joined by co-driver Reeta Hämäläinen, and the duo will pilot the same chassis that brought success to Nikolay Gryazin and Konstantin Aleksandrov at the season-opening Rally Sierra Morena.

"We haven’t done so many events this year yet so I’m really happy to go to Rome. My last time was five years ago so it’s not exactly a new event for me, but I guess the roads are quite new for this year," Lindholm stated. His comments reflect both excitement and a realistic approach to the upcoming challenge, especially given the competitive nature of the ERC.

Experts in the rallying community have noted that Lindholm's return is significant not only for his personal career but also for the competitive landscape of the ERC. According to Dr. Mark Thompson, a motorsport analyst at the University of Motorsport Studies, "Lindholm's experience and previous performance in the ERC position him as a potential frontrunner, especially as he adapts to the latest vehicle technology."

The Rally di Roma Capitale will commence with a spectacular super special stage in front of the historic Colosseum, a fitting backdrop for the event. The rally is expected to attract local drivers and international competitors alike, enhancing the competitive field.

In terms of goals for this rally, Lindholm expressed a desire to gain valuable experience rather than aiming for an immediate podium finish. He remarked, "Realistically speaking we are not expecting to be on the top step of the podium but hopefully we can set some good times and get some experience with the car on Tarmac."

This strategic approach is backed by his participation in the WRC2 category, as Lindholm looks to balance his efforts across different rally formats. He indicated that switching from gravel to Tarmac is manageable, stating, "It’s not such a big problem to go from gravel to Tarmac; it takes a few runs to figure out, but the way you drive a car is more straightforward on Tarmac."

The implications of Lindholm's return to the ERC extend beyond personal accolades; they highlight the growing interest in rallying within Finland and the broader European motorsport context. As Lindholm prepares for the rally, industry leaders like Jari-Matti Latvala, former WRC driver and current head of the Finnish Rally Federation, have indicated that Lindholm's participation could inspire a new generation of rally drivers.

The Rally di Roma Capitale serves as a crucial event not only for Lindholm but for the ERC as a whole, fostering a competitive spirit and showcasing the evolving landscape of rallying in Europe. With the rally scheduled for the first week of July, all eyes will be on Lindholm as he returns to where his journey in the ERC first began, aiming to leave a mark in the prestigious championship once again.