Widłak, from Poland, had been due to contest Rally di Roma Capitale in his Vacat Motorsport Ford Fiesta Rally3 but has instead entrusted the Pirelli-equipped machine to his younger compatriot.
The 19-year-old hasn’t competed since making his stage-winning FIA Junior ERC Championship debut on 42nd Rally Sierra Morena – Córdoba Patrimonio de la Humanidad in April but is back for Italy’s ERC counter from 4 – 6 July alongside Widłak’s regular co-driver Daniel Dymurski.
Laskowski has previous experience at Rally3 level
© ERC
“Even for me it was a surprise,” said Laskowski. “Huge thanks to Igor for the trust and opportunity. Focused on a clean, solid run and teamwork in this new crew.”
While Laskowski’s recent seat time is limited, he competed with Ford Fiesta Rally3 power from 2022 until 2024. And he’ll be in good company when he tackles Rally di Roma Capitale for the first time.
Laskowski is one of four talented Polish youngsters chasing ERC3 success on the all-asphalt event along with Tymek Abramowski, Hubert Kowalczyk and Adrian Rzeźnik.
Abramowski tops the ERC3 standings
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Abramowski, who turns 19 on Monday, heads the ERC3 standings after claiming back-to-back victories in Sweden and his homeland last month.
After claiming a debut ERC3 podium on the Spanish season opener, Rzeźnik is preparing for his second Tarmac outing on Rally di Roma Capitale, which marks co-driver Kamil Kozdroń’s 130th competitive start.
“It will be another great challenge and an important step in my development,” said Rzeźnik, 18. “So far, I have gained most experience on gravel, which has always been my natural environment and where I feel most confident. But now we are faced with the chance to develop in completely different conditions, tackling technical and demanding asphalt sections in the picturesque Italian mountains.”
Kowalczyk made his ERC debut in Rome last season
© ERC
Kowalczyk, 21, made his ERC debut on Rally di Roma Capitale last season. He forms part of the Chmielewski Motorsport attack, which is back up to full strength following the return of Sebastian Butinski, who missed the events in Sweden and Poland. Błażej Gazda completes the Poland-based team’s all-Polish line-up.
Charpentier five points behind in championship chase
Tristan Charpentier starts Rally di Roma Capitale five points behind Tymek Abramowski in the ERC3 standings. The ex-circuit racer won the season-opening 42nd Rally Sierra Morena – Córdoba Patrimonio de la Humanidad.
Casey Jay Coleman, Junior WRC leader Taylor Gill, Adam Grahn and Martin Ravenščak complete the ERC3 line-up in Italy.
Rally di Roma Capitale: the key numbers
Stage distance: 207.82 kilometres
Total distance: 811.55 kilometres