The already star-studded field for the 2026 Sertões Petrobras has gained another major name. Lucas Moraes, the first Brazilian to become world champion in rally raid’s premier Ultimate category, has confirmed his participation in the 34th edition of the biggest rally in the Americas, scheduled for August 22–30.
The Brazilian will line up for the nearly 4,000-kilometre challenge, which starts and finishes in Goiânia, once again alongside co-driver Kaíque Bentivoglio. Together, the pair will target Moraes’ fourth overall victory in the Sertões.
His return to Brazil fits perfectly into the summer break of the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC). The championship’s previous round was held in Argentina at the end of May, with competition set to resume in Morocco in September.
“Since the beginning of my career, I have always wanted to contribute to the growth of rallying in Brazil. Winning the world title was an important milestone in that journey, and returning to the Sertões is also part of that purpose. Coming back now as world champion makes this edition even more special. I hope to enjoy another great Sertões and repay, on the stages, all the support and affection I have always received,” said Moraes.
Moraes made his Sertões debut in 2018 and needed only one more year to claim his first overall victory. At 29, he became the youngest driver to win the rally in the car category.
His second triumph came in 2022, during the edition celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Sertões. After leading for almost the entire event, Moraes faced one of the most dramatic moments of his career when his car suffered a power steering failure with around 190 kilometres still to go.
Despite the problem, he managed to protect his lead and take the victory.
Two years later, Moraes returned to the top step of the podium to secure a third Sertões title, further establishing himself as one of the most successful drivers in the rally’s recent history.
For the organisers, his return in 2026 carries additional significance following his rise to the top of world rally raid.
“It is an immense privilege for us to welcome Lucas to the 2026 Sertões,” said Sertões Technical Director Edgar Fabre. “We were part of the journey that eventually led him to an unprecedented world title for Brazil and, as Lucas himself often says, the Sertões was a major school in making that achievement possible.
“His history in the biggest rally in the Americas goes far beyond his appearances and three victories. Having him back strengthens even further a field that already brings together major names and machinery from the top category of international rally raid.”
With Moraes now confirmed, the battle for victory in the car category gains another heavyweight contender — and one with a particularly strong record on Brazilian soil.
Source: Rally dos Sertões
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