Matos leads local challenge in Portugal

Montalegre in Portugal hosts round two of the FIA European Rallycross Championship this weekend and the event has attracted several local drivers to pit themselves against the best in Europe.

Most famous of the Portuguese locals is Citroen Xsara Supercar driver Pedro Matos, who is racing this weekend with a view to the future.

“My goal for this weekend is to be the fastest Portuguese driver. After that a semi-final would be really great but we will have to see how we get on.” He said.

Matos is well aware of how tough the competition is at the European championship event, but also how racing against the best can raise his own game.

“I am racing in the RallycrossRX event for fun. When I race in the National championship it is to win, but here it is about seeing how I fare against the best drivers in Europe. Last time the event was held at Montalegre I set my best ever lap-times at the circuit. The event raises your level.”

Despite only racing for fun this weekend, the two-time Portuguese Rallycross Champion believes that the new RallycrossRX format is what the sport needs, and intends to contest more than just his local events in the future.

“I have bought a Citroen DS3 chassis.” Says Matos. “My budget is small, so we won’t start building it until the middle of this year ready for next season. Hopefully next year I can travel and compete in more events in Europe. I don’t have much budget, but with the way the new promoters attracting the likes of Petter Solberg to rallycross, the sport is becoming more recognised in Portugal. The media are talking more about this fantastic sport and it is better for everyone.”

Matos tested his Citroen Xsara earlier this week in preparation for the Montalegre event. The car he drives was previously raced in France by Fabian Pailler, son of legend Jean-Luc Pailler who is also racing this weekend behind the wheel of a brand new Peugeot 208.

Also on the bill in the Supercar class is another local driver, Joaquim Santos, in his Opel Astra. Santos is a former Portuguese Super1600 champion, before he built this Supercar category car in 2006. He has raced it since, winning national championship events, and is a regular competitor in the Portuguese European Championship event.

In Super1600 a pair of Citroen Saxos are the steeds of choice for Pedro Riberio and Jose Polonio. Riberio is the youngest of the local competitors, and reigning Super1600 champion in Portugal. The youngster will use his Saxo this weekend before running a brand new Peugeot 207 Super1600 in his home championship. Polonio is a long serving driver in Super1600, although he raced a diesel powered car in the Portuguese Championship last season. He is back racing having spent time away from the sport due to injuries sustained in a huge crash at Montalegre, driving his then Peugeot 206.

TouringCar also has a local driver, with Jose Fabrica starting his first ever even in rallycross in a Peugeot 206 RWD.

Racing at Montalegre commences at 13.30 on Saturday.

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