João Ferreira and Filipe Palmeiro Triumph at Baja Spain Aragón 2025

In a thrilling conclusion at Baja Spain Aragón, Portuguese drivers João Ferreira and Filipe Palmeiro, representing Toyota Gazoo Racing, achieved a remarkable victory, securing maximum points in the FIA European Baja Cup. The event, held from July 28 to July 30, 2025, saw the duo navigate challenging terrains and fierce competition to clinch their first win in the series, edging out Qatari driver Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah by a mere two seconds.

The Baja Spain Aragón, part of the 2025 FIA European Baja Cup, is renowned for its tough and varied track conditions, challenging even the most seasoned competitors. Ferreira and Palmeiro, piloting a Toyota Hilux IMT Evo, demonstrated exceptional skill and teamwork, finishing the race in 5 hours, 50 minutes, and 39.6 seconds. Their victory not only earned them first place but also significantly bolstered their standings in the championship.

"I am super happy because we managed to beat Nasser and win the race by two seconds. It was super tight. Filipe did an amazing job, and I want to congratulate my team and Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa for their support," Ferreira remarked after the race. This victory places them in a strong position for the Ultimate category prize in the FIA European Baja Cup, propelling them closer to the current leaders, Magdalena Zając and her navigator, Czekan Błażej, who finished fourth.

Al-Attiyah, despite leading overnight, faced difficulties in the final stages, finishing second in his Dacia Sandrider. "It was not easy for us. We wanted to win this race but had to settle for second place. Now we focus on the next race in Portugal," stated Al-Attiyah.

The event, based in Teruel, Spain, attracted a competitive field of 93 entries, with a diverse range of vehicles participating across various categories. Notable performances included Spaniard Joan ‘Nani’ Roma finishing third in a Ford Raptor and Saood Variawa in fourth place, both not registered for FIA points.

Post-event scrutineering revealed a potential issue with Ferreira's vehicle regarding rear wheel travel exceeding the allowable limit. The event stewards decided on a suspended disqualification pending no further breaches this season, a decision that has raised some eyebrows in the motorsport community.

This victory is particularly significant for Ferreira and Palmeiro as they aim to establish themselves in the competitive landscape of cross-country rallying. The next event in the FIA European Baja Cup is scheduled for August 15-17, 2025, in Hungary, where the duo will look to maintain their momentum.

With their sights set on the championship, Ferreira emphasized the importance of teamwork and consistent performance moving forward. "After some holidays, our next challenge will be a round of the Portuguese Championship," he added, highlighting the busy schedule ahead for the team.

As the FIA European Baja Cup progresses, the competition is expected to intensify, with teams strategizing to secure vital points in the remaining rounds. The Baja Spain Aragón has reaffirmed the unpredictability and excitement of rally racing, promising thrilling developments as the season unfolds.