Armstrong targeting third in FIA European Rally Championship

Jon Armstrong and eoin treacy currently sit 4th in the erc championship.

Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy diver Jon Armstrong believes he can finish in the top three in the FIA European Rally Championship. Ahead of this weekend’s Rally di Roma Capitale Armstrong and his co-driver Eoin Treacy hold fourth place in the title race. After two high-speed gravel events, in Sweden and Estonia, the championship now switches to four asphalt events on the trot and the Fermanagh man feels more at home on sealed surfaces. After this weekend’s Italian counter, the championship will conclude with asphalt events in the Czech Republic, Wales, and Poland.

“It's surprising that we were fourth in the championship. We've got a lot of tarmac rallies on the run which should be really good for us so you never know what can happen,” said Armstrong. “I think we could be right in that top three by the end of the season if we can get the tarmac pace up another level.”

The four remaining events will suit Armstrong’s driving style and should help him and Treacy challenge for that coveted championship podium position.

“Events with bumpy tarmac are more like Ireland,” he added. "It is what I grew up on so for me and it just comes to me more naturally. Rome will be quite similar to last year, which is good. Barum Rally Zlín can be a very tricky rally and then the rally in Wales  will be very hotly contested with a lot of locals.”

 He prepared for the anticipated 40-degree heat in Rome by visiting saunas in full race gear over the weekend!