News
Ribeiro aiming to step up after ‘incredible four years’
)
Following nine podium finishes from 18 outings – an impressive 50 per cent strike rate – including five wins plus a long-awaited Drivers’ title, João Ribeiro has set his sights on graduating to the highest level of FIA European Rallycross Championship competition in 2026.
Ribeiro has been one of Euro RX3’s pre-eminent protagonists over the past four seasons. Having kick-started his campaign with a commanding clean sweep on home soil at Lousada back at the beginning of June, he led the standings throughout this year. His unstoppable charge ultimately resulted in him becoming the first Portuguese driver ever to clinch the coveted European crown in the dual-surface discipline.
The 42-year-old sealed the deal by the end of the qualifying heats in the last round in Türkiye. While his hoped-for celebratory drive in the final was scuppered by brake failure before the start – when he had been due to line up on the front row of the grid – in the grand scheme of things, it mattered little.
Having now achieved his long-held ambition of conquering Euro RX3, Ribeiro is working hard to try to pass on his trusty Audi A1 in order to follow in the footsteps of predecessors Damian Litwinowicz and Nils Volland by stepping up to Euro RX1.
)
“It’s been an incredible four years in Euro RX3, ending in a magical way,” reflected the Baltar native. “This has been an exceptional season. The atmosphere was amazing all the way through, especially with so many Portuguese fans now watching and supporting us.
“My guys and my team have worked so hard to secure this title that we’ve desired for so long, and I think we deserve it. I cannot sufficiently express my gratitude to everyone who has been part of this journey.
“Regarding 2026, I still can’t say anything yet. I’m trying to buy a car, but until I sell mine, I can’t really plan anything properly. The intention, though, is clearly to move up to Euro RX1.”
)
)
){kind=logo}
)
)