Aberystwyth, Wales – September 1, 2025: The penultimate round of the 2025 FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) promises high drama this weekend as JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion (5–7 September) returns for its second running as an ERC event. The demanding Welsh Tarmac stages will play host to a fierce title fight between Poland’s Miko Marczyk and Italy’s Andrea Mabellini, with championship glory hanging in the balance.

Marczyk vs Mabellini: Championship Showdown

Top seed Miko Marczyk (Michelin) leads the standings by 11 points, but once dropped scores are factored in, he trails Andrea Mabellini (Pirelli) by two. The equation is simple:

• If Mabellini fails to score in Wales, second place plus one Power Stage point would hand Marczyk the title.
• If Marczyk falters, Mabellini could become the first Italian ERC champion since Luca Rossetti in 2011, provided he wins and takes maximum Power Stage points.

Both drivers acknowledge the challenge ahead.

• “It’s the moment of the season where it will be necessary to take more risk. The roads are fast, narrow and very demanding, especially with unpredictable weather,” said Marczyk.
• Mabellini added: “Rali Ceredigion was my first ERC podium last year. Tyre choice and Qualifying Stage will be crucial. We are ready to fight for the title.”

Stacked Entry List for Welsh Spectacle

The Welsh event boasts a talent-packed entry list, with several big names ready to shake up the title race:

• Jon Armstrong (Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy), fresh from victory over both title contenders in Zlín, targets a maiden ERC win.
• Jakub Matulka, ERC3 winner in Wales last year, steps up again.
• Max McRae, nephew of Colin McRae, continues his debut ERC1 campaign after ERC4 and Junior ERC glory here in 2024.
• Philip Allen, Callum Devine (Team MRF Tyres), William Creighton (2023 Junior WRC champion), Meirion Evans, and Osian Pryce (two-time Ceredigion winner) add to the home and Irish charge.
• Rising Estonian star Romet Jürgenson, the 2024 Junior WRC champion, also joins the fight.

New Route, Classic Challenge

Organisers promise a “refreshed and challenging route” across 12 stages covering 185.24 competitive kilometres (676.97 km total distance).

• Friday, 5 Sept: Free Practice, Qualifying, and Shakedown, capped with the fan-favourite 1.25 km Aberystwyth town centre stage.
• Saturday, 6 Sept (Leg 1):
  • Cwm Elan (14.30 km)
  • Y Diafol (33.85 km) – the rally’s longest test
  • Mydroilyn (13.74 km)
  • Evening rerun of Aberystwyth stage.
• Sunday, 7 Sept (Leg 2):
  • Nant y Moch (14.00 km) – “classic reservoir roads”
  • Mynnydd Bach (15.48 km) – set as the ERC Power Stage on the second pass.
• Ceremonial Finish scheduled for 15:45 local time in Aberystwyth.

How to Watch

Fans worldwide can follow every stage of Rali Ceredigion via Rally.TV, with additional coverage available in multiple countries (check local listings).

Key Numbers – JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion 2025

• Stages: 12
• Stage Distance: 185.24 km
• Total Distance: 676.97 km
• Dates: 5–7 September 2025
• Location: Aberystwyth, Wales

With the ERC crown still undecided and Wales delivering one of the toughest Tarmac tests on the calendar, the 2025 JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion is set to be a defining weekend in the European Rally Championship season.