Podium finish for Ingram in Italy sets up rousing finale in Latvia

British rally driver Chris Ingram is closing in on a second successive ERC3 championship title after another impressive performance at the weekend.

The 23-year-old came third at the Rally di Roma Capitale and returned to the top of the championship standings with just one race remaining!

Previous leader Aleks Zawada arrived in Italy with a narrow advantage over the field, but flywheel failure on just the second stage forced the Pole into an early exit.

At the midway point, Chris had established a narrow lead while working with new co-driver Ross Whittock for the first time. The pair battled on throughout the second day and secured a podium spot in impressive fashion despite the obvious challenges they faced.

Czech driver Filip Mares emerged victorious in the Italian capital and, along with Chris, is one of four drivers in contention for the title – and the small matter of a €100,000 career progression prize!

Speaking after the presentation on Sunday, the Heat for Hire-backed man assessed: “It was a great event and I think we maybe even deserved a little bit more, but you can’t complain at finishing on the podium.

“We are leading the championship again and it’s all going down to the wire in Latvia, so it’s fingers crossed this time!”

Attention will now switch to the Rally Liepaja-Ventspills next month, where Chris and his rivals will take to the gravel in their quest for ERC3 glory. Best of luck to Chris and Ross, and here’s hoping that lightning does indeed strike twice!