In his debut in the Portuguese Rally Championship (CPR), Francisco Fontes secured an excellent second place in the “FPAK Junior Team Rallies” competition at the Water Rally – Transibérico Eurocidade Chaves-Verín.
This podium marks a promising start for the 18-year-old driver and also for the new Lancia Ypsilon HF Racing Rally6, which marked the return of the iconic Italian brand to national events.
He wasn’t even born when his father became national rally champion for the first time. But 20 years later, Francisco Fontes has confirmed that he lives up to the family legacy. In the event, which took place in the cross-border region of Trás-os-Montes and Galicia, the 18-year-old finished second in the “FPAK Junior Team Rallies,” a competition promoted by the federation that aims to develop new talent in rallying.
“The first day of the rally was difficult, with two overshoots—one in the shakedown and another in the first section—that made me lose a lot of confidence,” confessed Francisco Fontes. “As the rally progressed, I improved, but the most important thing is that I accumulated important kilometres for my learning.”
The event, described as “quite fast” by the driver, allowed him to improve and gain experience. “It wasn’t an easy rally, often with challenging grip conditions due to the hard shoulder sections. But the experience of Hugo Magalhães (the navigator) was crucial in reaching the finish and achieving this result.”
Finally, Francisco Fontes made a point of emphasising: “The level at FPAK Junior Team is extremely high, and I congratulate Pedro Câmara on his excellent rally. I’m only just taking my first steps. I still have a long way to go and a lot to learn, but I know I’ll get there. Many thanks to everyone who’s supporting me, especially my sponsors.”
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