Pisani eyes 2018 ERC return

The highly-rated Italian was the third of three ACI Team Italia-backed drivers to make a one-off appearance in the ERC as part of an initiative by his national motorsport federation.

Driving a Motorsport Italia-run Toyota GT86 CS-R3, Pisani was three kilometres from the start of stage two when engine failure forced his premature exit.

“We have been very unlucky because the engine is the only one that cannot be replaced in the race,” said the 25-year-old, who was  “Apart from this, it was a wonderful experience, competing with the best European drivers seemed a dream for me and doing it in a context like that of Rome made it all very exciting. I would like to congratulate Max Rendina and all Motorsport Italia for organising a beautiful race, very technical and training and the staff of the European championship for having created a championship suitable for us young drivers.”

Pisani followed Luca Bottarelli (Rally Rzeszow) and Riccardo Canzian (Barum Czech Rally Zlín) in making a one-off ERC appearance. While Bottarelli crashed out in Poland, Canzian placed third in the RC3 category in Czech Republic.

“I am very grateful to ACI Team Italia, Motorsport Italia, Pirelli and Pistoia Corse for the opportunity they have offered me,” said Pisani. “I hope to be on the way to the ERC 2018 and if that is not the case, we will return to Rome to redeem us.”

Meanwhile, Marco Ciufoli was also Toyota-mounted on Rally di Roma Capitale: the experienced Italian placed eighth in ERC3 in a Motorsport Italia entry. “I am very happy to finish the race,” he said. “The car has great potential.”