Paredes driver André Sousa claimed his first victory of the season this Saturday in the RX3 category of the European Rallycross Championship, in a historic night event held at the International Circuit of Lousada. At the wheel of an Audi A1, the Paredes driver took the lead at the start of the final and never let it go, finishing ahead of Hungarians Libor Tejes and Samuel Kovács. The final featured four Portuguese drivers and allowed André Sousa to achieve his first podium of the season, after his best result was a fifth place. With the 34 points earned, he moved up to sixth place in the championship.
The victory represents a special moment for André Sousa, who stated in comments to the Lua news agency that he has no words to describe the moment, considering it the result of believing, of his team's work, of his family, and of many hours of dedication.
The Lousada event was marked by the debut of night races in the European Rallycross Championship, with the International Circuit hosting a round that combined competition and spectacle throughout the night. In the main RX1 category, Swedish driver Johan Kristoffersson won again and reinforced his championship lead, while Norwegian Andreas Bakkerud, who arrived as the leader, was eliminated in the quarterfinals after suffering tire problems.
None of the European titles were decided on Saturday. The champions of the RX1, RX3, RX4, and RX5 categories will be known this Sunday, again at the International Circuit of Lousada, in the seventh and final round of the season.
