Three decades later, Lancia is back in rallying, and the newest member of one of the most influential families in the history of national motorsports is determined to honour the legacy of his father, José Pedro Fontes, and his grandfather, Rufino Fontes.
At just 18 years old and barely seven weeks into his driver’s license, Francisco Fontes will compete in the first race of his life: the Constálica Viseu Dão Lafões Rally. From September 5th to 7th, the young Porto native will be behind the wheel of the brand-new Lancia Ypsilon HF Racing Rally6, a car also making its debut in Portugal.
“This rally marks the beginning of an adventure I’ve always dreamed of. I grew up listening to my grandfather’s exploits, following my father’s career, and the work of the Sports & You team. Now, being able to line up in a race with my name on the car windows is a very special feeling. I know I have everything to learn: this is my first time competing, I only got my license a few months ago, and the goal is simple—to clock up miles, gain experience, and evolve step by step. I won’t fight for any result, but I will, of course, give it my all. At this stage, everything is new, and the most important thing is to take advantage of it to grow as a driver and start my career on a solid footing,” says Francisco Fontes.
Born on May 9, 2007, and recently arrived at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP) to study mechanical engineering, Francisco Fontes is the newest member of a successful motorsports dynasty. His grandfather, Rufino Fontes, was one of the most prominent names in Brazilian motorsports in the 1970s and 1980s, while his father, José Pedro Fontes, has racked up titles and victories in road racing and rallying over the past three decades.
Despite being a fan of automotive simulators and closely following his father’s career and the Sports & You team from an early age, young Francisco Fontes has never participated in a single race, not even a kart. His only experience is limited to participating, in the first half of this year, in the Portuguese Automobile and Kart Federation’s selection process for the FPAK Junior Team program.
At the Rallye Constálica Viseu Dão Lafões, Francisco Fontes will be paired with experienced navigator Carlos Magalhães, driving a Lancia Ypsilon HF Racing Rally6.
After a hiatus of nearly three decades, this will be the first time a Lancia—from the new generation!—has participated in a race held on the Iberian Peninsula. Equipped with a 1.2-litre, 145-horsepower engine, the car was developed according to Rally6 regulations, the entry-level rally category designed for young drivers. It features controlled costs, simplified regulations, and a high level of safety and performance.
In 2025, in addition to the Rallye Constálica Viseu Dão Lafões, Francisco Fontes will compete in at least the final two rounds of the Portuguese Rally Championship.
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