Lupu, who is tetraplegic, became the first wheelchair user in his homeland to be issued with a competition licence and made his ERC debut on last year’s Rally di Roma Capitale.
Driving a Renault Clio Rally5 with the aid of hand controls he finished 17th in the ERC4 category and 10th among the RC5 class contenders.
Lupu’s back this year for what he hopes will be the first of a handful of ERC appearances this season.
“It will still be tough, still very hot, still a test to my limits; but I've been dreaming about this race ever since I finished last year's [final] stage, so in the capital of Italy there will be no insurmountable barriers, especially from a psychological point of view.
“I like to think that I've gained maturity in the past year, and the most important thing is that we already know what to expect.
“More than other competitors, we need very efficient management of physical resources and maximum attention to preserving the competition material. All in all, there is no greater joy than to see the Colosseum again from the rally car.”
Andrei Aitculesei will co-drive Napoca Rally Academy-supported Lupu on Rally di Roma Capitale.