Creighton eager for return to asphalt at Rally di Roma Capitale

Photo Credits to FIA ERC/ Red Bull content pool

Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy driver William Creighton is aiming to reignite his FIA European Rally Championship campaign this weekend as the series heads to Italy for Rally di Roma Capitale [3–5 July].

Following a challenging outing on the fast gravel roads of the Royal Rally of Scandinavia, Creighton and co-driver Liam Regan return to the asphalt, where they produced an impressive seventh-place finish on the ERC season opener in Spain earlier this year.

The Italian classic marks another important step in Creighton’s first full European campaign aboard the TRT Racing Team-run, Michelin-backed Citroën C3 Rally2, with the crew hoping to build on the pace and confidence they displayed on sealed surfaces earlier in the season.

This year’s Rally di Roma Capitale features a significantly redesigned route, including ceremonial elements in the heart of Rome and a host of new special stages that will provide an added challenge for crews. High summer temperatures are also expected to test both cars and competitors across one of the championship’s toughest asphalt events.

The rally holds special memories for Creighton, who first competed on the event in 2020 in the ERC3 category, with Rally4 machinery. Six years later, the reigning British Rally Champion returns in Rally2 equipment, ready to take on one of Europe’s strongest entry lists.

“I’m looking forward to switching back to tarmac,” said Creighton.

“We found a nice rhythm at the first tarmac round of the year, so hopefully we can use that experience heading into our test day in Rome and carry that into the rally.”

“The entry list is packed with top European and local drivers, so the competition will be intense. It’s going to be a demanding event with mostly new stages to write pacenotes for and a lot of warm weather during the week, so there’s plenty to prepare for.”

“Rally di Roma Capitale was my first proper European rally back in 2020, so it’s quite special to return now to such an iconic event and give it another shot. It’s amazing to come back six years later in a Rally2 car and see how much has changed.”

“As always, I’d like to thank the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy, my sponsors and all the people supporting me behind the scenes as we prepare for the event. Liam and I will do our best to have a successful rally.”