Matos aims for European Rallycross championship

Portuguese rallycross star Pedro Matos will contest his home round of the FIA World Rallycross Championship in a brand new Citroen DS3. The three time Portuguese rallycross champion is planning to contest the FIA European Rallycross Championship, and the World Championship event at Loheac, France.

“We are working hard on the new DS3, and on finding the budget to do the European championship. That is my goal,” said Matos, who is using selected parts from his Citroen Xsara to help with the build process of the new car. “I bought the new chassis before Christmas. We are going to use some of the mechanical parts like the diffs and the gearbox from the Xsara, but otherwise everything is new. The engine in the Xsara was an old specification, the new engine we have now is the latest development.”

Currently still a body shell, Matos is building the car in his own workshop, with the support of the Xtramotion team in Portugal, who are helping with the fabrication; “The suspension arms and dampers are all ready for the car. We are doing fabrication work at the moment, like the roll cage and the transmission tunnel. I really want to do the European championship, and the French round because I have some good sponsors in France. It’s all down to budget, but I’m working hard on that.”

The Portuguese champion contested his home RallycrossRX round in 2013, but was dogged by gearbox problems throughout the event; “Last year we had lots of problems at Montalegre, but we got them sorted out and won the Portuguese championship. I’m trying to sell the Xsara now to fund this season.” Matos has a clear idea of the level he would like to achieve in RallycrossRX events this season; “To reach the semi-finals would be brilliant, especially at my home event at Montalegre, in front of my home fans.”

Previously only able to compete in his national championship, the new era of RallycrossRX is opening doors for Matos to be able to compete further afield. “The RallycrossRX championship is fabulous. IMG is working hard and giving the sport the recognition it deserves. The television coverage makes so much difference. It’s the biggest difference to getting sponsors or not. Before people were not so interested, but now I can tell them about the live TV coverage and it changes peoples attitude, it’s a huge improvement.”

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