José Pedro Fontes returns to Azores Rallye and is “very happy to return to this island. This is a rally that I really like, with beautiful stages, and I have always argued that the main Portuguese races should be in the national championship. Since 2018 I haven’t competed in this event, where there is usually very tough competition. In this context, I intend to conquer a place on the CPR podium. The biggest difficulties come from a lesser knowledge of the terrain, which requires better pace notes. Besides, this is a long rally with difficult weather, especially at this time of the year. It will be necessary to use your head to secure as many points as possible…”
Fontes is 46 years old and debuted in rallying in 1998 with a Seat Ibiza GTi. He is one of the Portuguese drivers with one of the most eclectic careers and has won national titles in several disciplines. He has represented several manufacturers at official level and in rallies he was national champion in 2015 and 2016. In the latter year he was also the winner of the FIA ERT Iberian Rally Trophy. He has been linked to the brands of the now called Stellantis group for some years and has been at the wheel of a Citroën C3 Rally2 for some time. At the start of the Azores Rallye, he is fourth in the national championship.