ERC
Suárez plays down ERC podium talk as Ares aims high
José Antonio Suárez is playing down talk of back-to-back home FIA European Rally Championship podiums – but isn’t ruling out the prospect.
Suárez completed the top three on 42nd Rally Sierra Morena - Córdoba Patrimonio de la Humanidad last season and will start this week’s 43rd Andalusia Rally - Sierra Morena - Córdoba World Heritage Site as a recognised frontrunner.
However, with a fourth Supercampeonato de España de Rallyes title his focus in 2026, the Recalvi Team driver is keeping his ERC expectations in check.
“To win the national championship and let’s see what’s about ERC,” Suárez said of his target for the ERC season opener, which takes place from 17 - 19 April.
“ERC is the best showcase, high driver levels, amazing rallies such as Sierra Morena and a massive impact with ERC media.
ERC is the best showcase, high driver levels, amazing rallies
“[Winning] could mean a lot. I was looking as a spectator my home rally, Rallye Principe de Asturias, in 2008 and I fell in love with this championship with drivers like Basso who will be at the start of Sierra Morena with us.”
Suárez, 35, started leg two of 42nd Rally Sierra Morena - Córdoba Patrimonio de la Humanidad in second place only to drop back to fourth after he was delayed by left-rear tyre damage to the tune of 39.7sec. Having slipped from second to fourth on SS8, Suárez overtook Andrea Mabellini for third on SS9 and held on to the spot until the finish.
Suárez finished a fine third on his home ERC counter in 2025
© ERC
Meanwhile, Iván Ares is another Spanish driver with ERC podium pedigree contesting 43rd Andalusia Rally - Sierra Morena - Córdoba World Heritage Site for what will be his first European championship start in a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2.
Unlike Suárez, the 41-year-old has lofty ERC ambitions: “The main objective is to show the same pace we showed at the start of the S-CER (Rally La Nucía) and fight for top positions. Given it’s an FIA ERC event, we want to go head-to-head with the ERC regulars and show the potential of our Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 on such demanding Tarmac stages such as the ones in Córdoba.
“The level [of the ERC] is extremely high. These are drivers competing at the top international level, and they don’t forgive even a single second. It’s an incredible opportunity for us, because facing the best in Europe forces you to raise your level on every stage.
“Being in the fight for the overall podium would be a fantastic result. However, beyond the position, a good result would be finishing the rally and being competitive on every stage.”
