Unaí, Brazil – July 27, 2025
Despite suffering a front transmission failure early in the opening special of the Sertões 2025, Guiga Spinelli and Youssef Haddad remain committed to the rally—and to the ongoing development of the fully Brazilian-built Mitsubishi Triton Ultimate Racing.
The issue forced the duo to exit the 283 km timed section between Goiânia (GO) and Unaí (MG) and travel directly to the service park. Though disappointed, Spinelli emphasized that setbacks are part of the learning curve:
“It’s frustrating to be out of contention on the first day, but this is only the car’s second race. Every kilometer is part of the development journey.”
Designed and produced entirely in Brazil, the Triton Ultimate Racing represents an ambitious effort to compete at the highest level of global rally raid. The team continues in the event with a clear goal: evolve the vehicle day by day.
“Sertões is one of the toughest rallies in the world. We came here knowing this would serve as a valuable testbed,” said Spinelli, a five-time Sertões winner and project founder.
With a strong support structure and key sponsors—including Petrobras Podium, ArcelorMittal, BTG Pactual Wealth Management, W. Truffi Blindados, and FF Seguros—the Mitsubishi Spinelli Racing team is back on the road for Stage 2, which runs 416 km (301 km of special) between Unaí and Januária (MG).
“Projects like this require time, testing, and resilience,” added co-driver Youssef Haddad. “We’re staying focused on building a truly competitive Brazilian car capable of taking on the world’s best.”
Source: Spinelli Racing / Mitsubishi Brasil
Text adapted and edited by our editorial team.
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