Marczyk fastest but “disaster” for Mabellini in ERC Croatia qualifying

But while Marczyk celebrated a strong start to his ERC title bid, closest rival Andrea Mabellini labelled the 6.12-kilometre stage a “disaster” after he almost left the road and could only manage the eighth fastest time, 3.3s slower Marczyk.

“It was better to stay home because the first corner I went completely out and I lost like five seconds,” the Pirelli-equipped Mabellini said. “It was a disaster stage from my side, and in a race like this it is important to start with the correct road position. It is difficult like this. We made some changes during the service before we came here because it was not properly done. It is like it is.”

Michelin-shod Marczyk, who beat Mads Østberg to the fastest time by 0.8sec, said: “I hope [it was good] because the starting position for tomorrow could be a real advantage. I was doing my best and unfortunately we had one or two moments so we should wait for the other guys as they know how to drive on these polluted conditions. Tough weekend in front of us. It will also not be easy for Andrea and also for Jon but I hope we will do a good race like we have done all this season.”

Behind Østberg, who is making his 300th competitive start and his first alongside co-driver Lorcan Moore, recently crowned Polish champion Jakub Matulka was third quickest followed by Robert Virves and Jon Armstrong, part of the three-way fight for ERC title glory.

Hankook-supplied Norbert Maior, the 2023 Junior ERC champion, was sixth quickest ahead of multiple Austrian title winner Simon Wagner, Mabellini, MRF Tyres-equipped Erik Cais, Mille Johansson, Simone Tempestini, ERC rookie Pablo Sarrazin, Lauri Joona, Yuki Yamamoto and Norbert Herczig.

Romet Jürgenson, a pre-event podium contender following his runner-up placing on JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion last month, was unable to take part on the Qualifying Stage following an off during his second Free Practice run. The FIA Rally Star driver will start 25th on the road.