Mads Østberg crashed heavily into a tree during ERC Rome

The Citroën C3 Rally2, driven by Østberg, veered off the road and crashed into a tree in a long left-hand turn. The car hit the tree on the co-driver’s side, but fortunately, both Østberg and his co-driver, Patrick Barth, managed to exit the vehicle on their own. However, they were taken to the hospital for check-ups following the impact.

Before retiring from the race, Østberg was in ninth place. The highly experienced Norwegian driver was competing in the ERC Rome for the first time in his career.

Host country Citroën driver Andrea Crugnola is leading the race, having also celebrated a victory in Rome last season. Before the final three special stages, Crugnola’s lead is 5.7 seconds over Romanian Simone Tempestini.

“I am satisfied with my stage. There are a few corners where I can drive better. The situation looks good, but in Rome, they always say it’s still a long way to go,” Crugnola said at the finish of the last morning special stage.

The battle for podium positions is intense. Simone Campedelli, in third place, is only 0.5 seconds behind Tempestini. Fourth-placed Mathieu Franceschi is just 1.9 seconds behind Campedelli.

ERC leader Hayden Paddon, who was at best third in the race, has dropped to sixth place, with a gap of only 12.5 seconds to the leader.

“I can’t do more. The situation is status quo, and I just need to finish. These are beautiful stages, so I should just be grateful and swallow my pride,” Paddon joked.

Three more special stages will be run on Sunday in the ERC Rome.

Rally di Roma Capitale standings after SS10/13: