Friday Night: As it Happened
The 2025 FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) ignited with high-octane action under the floodlights of Rally Sierra Morena‘s Córdoba’s super special stage. The newly formed J2X Rally Team, entering their debut season, witnessed their lead driver Nikolay Gryazin clinch the fastest time, signaling a robust start to their campaign. Gryazin, behind the wheel of a Michelin-equipped Škoda Fabia RS Rally2, mastered the 1.50-kilometre circuit in a mere 1min 39.4sec, placing him in the pole position from the get-go.
Post-stage, an exhilarated Gryazin shared his thoughts: “It was imperative to start strong and set a tone. We achieved that tonight, but the rally is long, and consistency will be our focus. The plan is to build on this momentum.”
In close pursuit, Stéphane Lefebvre of Team MRF Tyres, despite a recurring mechanical hiccup with the pop-off valve of his Hyundai i20 N Rally2, secured the second spot with a time of 1min 41.2sec. Lefebvre commented on the challenge: “Despite the valve issues that have been plaguing us since this morning, the team’s hard work is evident, and we’re right in the mix.”
The leaderboard was tightly contested, with Mads Østberg and former Formula One star Jos Verstappen tying for third, marking an intense start to the championship. Each driver pushed their limits, setting the stage for a thrilling competition.
Saturday Morning: As it Happened
The rally’s first full day began under cloudy skies, with damp conditions setting a challenging pace for the drivers. Gryazin navigated through the initial wet stages with caution but regained his form on the dry and demanding 27.19-kilometre Villaviciosa stage. His stellar performance widened his lead to 10.9 seconds over local hero José Suárez, who leveraged his knowledge of the terrain to catapult into second place.
Reflecting on his morning performance, Gryazin noted, “Adapting to the conditions was key. We had some close calls but managed to pull through with a decent cushion. It’s about keeping our heads down and tackling each stage as it comes.”
Suárez, thriving in front of a home crowd, shared his strategy: “The local support is incredible, and knowing these roads helps. We’re pushing hard to close the gap and make a move for the top spot.”
Saturday Afternoon: As it Happened
Continuing his exceptional form, Gryazin extended his dominance by setting blistering times through the afternoon stages. His precision driving on the repeated run of the Villaviciosa stage expanded his lead, showcasing his and his team’s strategic prowess.
“The car felt amazing, and our tire choice was spot-on, which allowed us to extend our lead,” Gryazin explained. “We’re now focusing on maintaining this pace and managing our equipment through to the end.”
José Suárez and Yoann Bonato remained in hot pursuit, with Bonato moving into third place and expressing optimism: “The podium is within reach, and we’re not holding back. The stages are challenging, but that’s where we can make a difference.”
Sunday Morning: As it Happened
With the championship points increasingly in his sight, Gryazin started Sunday’s leg with a determined drive, further distancing himself from his closest competitors. His cautious yet fast approach through the early stages extended his lead significantly, setting him up for a potential victory.
“Today’s stages were about balancing risk and speed. We managed to extend our lead, which gives us a bit of breathing room heading into the final stages,” said Gryazin, focused on the finish.
Meanwhile, Suárez faced challenges but remained determined to fight back: “We’ve had a few setbacks, but the rally isn’t over until the last stage. We’re pushing to the limits to reclaim our position.”
Sunday Afternoon: As it Happened
The final stages of the Rally Sierra Morena saw Gryazin not only maintain but increase his lead, culminating in a commanding victory. His performance across the weekend was a testament to his skill and the J2X team’s strategic execution.
“This victory feels particularly sweet given the challenges we faced. A big thank you to my team; this win is as much theirs as it is mine,” an elated Gryazin remarked after securing his fifth career ERC victory.
Bonato, who finished in a strong second place, reflected on his journey: “To come from twelfth to second is something we didn’t anticipate. It shows the team’s resilience and adaptability.”
As the dust settled on the Córdoba stages, the drivers and teams began preparations for the upcoming gravel challenges in Hungary. With Gryazin setting a high benchmark, the 2025 ERC season is poised for more intense racing and dramatic twists.
Overall Rally Sierra Morena – Córdoba Patrimonio de la Humanidad Results
01: N. Gryazin/K. Aleksandrov (Škoda Fabia RS Rally2) – 02h 01m 49.5s
02: Y. Bonato/B. Boulloud (Citroën C3 Rally2) + 46.0s
03: J. A. Suarez/P. A. Iglesias (Škoda Fabia RS Rally2) + 1m 24.8s
04: A. Mabellini/V. Lenzi (Škoda Fabia RS Rally2) + 1m 37.6s
05: M. Marczyk/S. Gospodarczyk (Škoda Fabia RS Rally2) + 2m 02.2s
06: J. Pardo Siota/D. De la Puente (Škoda Fabia RS Rally2) + 2m 04.8s
07: P. Lopez/D. Vasquez (Hyundai i20 N Rally2) + 2m 38.6s
08: M. Johansson/J. Gronvall (Škoda Fabia Rally2 evo) + 2m 51.1s
09: M. Ostberg/E. Torstein (Citroën C3 Rally2) + 3m 00.1s
10: S. Lefebvre/A. Malfoy (Hyundai i20 N Rally2) + 3m 46.3s
You can view the full results here.
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