João Ferreira, driving a Toyota Gazoo Racing Hilux alongside co-driver Filipe Palmeiro, delivered a stunning performance to win the 37th edition of the Baja TT Sharish Gin Reguengos de Monsaraz Mourão.
The final day featured a decisive 90 km selective sector, tackled twice by the Auto competitors. Ferreira was untouchable, setting the fastest times on both runs. First, he slashed his deficit to Guillaume de Mévius to just 12 seconds; then, in a dramatic final push, he overturned the tables and pulled more than two minutes clear.
De Mévius, making a remarkable comeback with co-driver Mathieu Baumel only seven months after a severe accident that cost him his right leg, could not match Ferreira’s relentless pace. At the wheel of an X-Raid MINI JCW Rally (petrol spec), the Belgian had to settle for second place. Completing the podium was Toyota Gazoo Racing’s American duo Seth Quintero and Andrew Short, finishing over six minutes behind Ferreira.
A sensational performance came from Gonçalo Guerreiro in a Polaris, who broke into the T1+ order to secure 4th overall while also winning the SSV category. Navigated by Joel Lutas, Guerreiro not only claimed victory in class but also secured the Portuguese Cross-Country Championship (CPTT) T4 title ahead of schedule.
In the Challenger category, it was Tiago Reis who had the upper hand on the final day, beating teammate Daniel Silva (both in Tauros) by 25 seconds to secure victory. Dutchman Pim Klaassen rounded off the Challenger podium in 8th overall, while Denis Krotov (X-Raid MINI JCW) took 7th.
The Top 10 was completed by two more Portuguese SSV crews: Ruben Rodrigues / Rui Paulo (Can-Am), who edged out Tiago Guerreiro / Carlos Paulino (Polaris) by just 13 seconds.
Among the FIA entrants, drama struck when César Sequeira, who had led the T1 class since the start, retired in the final selective sector. This opened the door for Lino Carapeta in a Ford Ranger to snatch victory, finishing ahead of José Rogeira, also in a Ranger, who was the fastest driver across both final-day stages.
In the National race, victory went to António Carvalho / Nélio Alexandre (best T3), followed by Dinis Rogeira / Nelson Ramos (best T4) and Marco Cardoso / André Barras (all in Can-Am Maverick). João Paulo Oliveira / Pedro Cação (Nissan) claimed T8 honors with 4th overall, Sérgio Matos / Sebastião Dominguez (Toyota) took the T1 win, while Leonor Barreto / Carlos Silva (Nissan) topped the T9 class and the Ladies’ Trophy.
📌 Source: SAR-Motorismo
📌 Translation & adaptation: Rally-Raid Network
The Baja unfolds in the heart of the Alentejo, a land of endless horizons, golden plains, and timeless villages where the rhythm of life slows with the sun. Reguengos de Monsaraz, known for its vineyards, ancient castles, and views over the Alqueva Lake, offers much more than motorsport thrills—it is an invitation to wander, taste, and dream.
If you want to dive deeper into the essence of Portugal, its hidden villages, flavors, and traditions, visit GuiaRural.pt — where the true soul of Portugal waits for you. 🌿🍷✨
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