Italian driver Andrea Mabellini, together with his co-driver Virginia Lenzi, remains in contention for this year’s FIA European Rally Championship title. The showdown will take place at the final round in Croatia. Regardless of the outcome, one thing is clear: his career is on a sharp upward trajectory – something he attributes largely to competing at the European level.
The likeable 26-year-old first entered the world of sports through tennis at the age of eight. Cars, however, were always close to his heart thanks to family ties. He began with racing simulators, before quickly moving behind the wheel of actual racing cars – and he really "rocks" behind the wheel.
Success followed both at home in Italy and on the European stage. In 2020, he claimed the Abarth Rally Cup title, followed by victory in the Clio Trophy in 2021. A year later, he finished runner-up in ERC4 and third in ERC4 Junior. Since 2023, Mabellini has been a regular competitor at the wheel of Škoda Fabia Rally2 specials, “taming” them – with performances showing consistent progress.
How did you first get into rallying?
My father, as well as the father of my life partner and co-driver Virginia, were both co-drivers themselves. So, rallying definitely runs in our families!
What are Italian rally fans like?
They are great, they are passionate about rallying. The strongest enthusiasm came in the era of Miki Biasion. Since then, enthusiasm has cooled down somewhat, but with our results this year we are trying to reignite it and bring some of that excitement back.
Your career has been steadily progressing. How has it developed so far?
I started with “small” cars, but quite early on I went to compete at the European level. ERC starts – and leaving Italy – have always been very important for me. Thanks to that, I became a more mature and versatile driver. I basically went through nearly all categories: from Rally5 to Rally4, and eventually to Rally2. Now I am in my third season at the top European level with the Škoda Fabia.
Do you remember your first experience with a Fabia rally car?
Of course. It was at the Adria Rally Show in Italy in 2021, with the Fabia Rally2 evo. I finished third in the R5 class and first among drivers under 25. The car impressed me immediately – easy to drive and extremely user-friendly.
Since late 2022 you’ve been competing regularly with the Fabia. What led to that decision?
Every season I moved up in the ERC hierarchy. When the time came to choose a Rally2 car for 2023, Škoda was the clear choice thanks to my earlier experience.
At the end of 2023 you first tested the new Fabia RS Rally2. What impressed you about the car?
Compared to the Fabia Rally2 evo, it’s a big step forward. It feels more professional, offers more settings and driving modes, has a more modern interior, and the engine delivers torque more smoothly. With the longer wheelbase, the chassis provides greater stability in fast corners, giving the driver more confidence.
And how do you rate the car after almost two full seasons?
I really like its ergonomics, and its reliability is outstanding. During my FIA ERC seasons, I have not experienced a single mechanical issue with the car.
Your regular co-driver is Virginia Lenzi. What matters most to you in a co-driver?
Since we are a couple not only in the car but also in life, we race, work and live together. Virginia knows me better than anyone else and knows how to get 100% out of me. Of course, during rallies it’s important to leave everyday worries behind and focus only on the rally.
How do you prepare for competitions? Do you have any rituals?
We usually watch onboard footages from previous years to get familiar with the special stages and identify tricky sections we need to watch out for. Otherwise, we don’t really have specific rituals.
Do you prefer gravel or tarmac?
I love gravel, but I feel more confident and faster on tarmac.
Any favourite rally?
Barum Rally is fantastic. So many fans, so much emotion – I love it! And of course, it’s held in the Czech Republic, the home country of Škoda.
What advice would you give young rally talents?
Believe in yourself. And remember that even in difficult moments, you must give your maximum and aim for the best possible result.
What are your future plans?
Right now, we want to win the title. And then – we’ll see…
