ERC the perfect proving ground for WRC’s Zaldivar

Zaldivar, who currently drives an i20 N Rally2 for Hyundai Motorsport’s factory WRC2 team, will contest the season-opening Rally Serras de Fafe (10 - 12 March), with other potential outings on the horizon at more of the ERC’s gravel rounds.

His decision to compete in the ERC is a testament to the championship’s glowing reputation as a proving ground for young rally talents. Past competitors include WRC champions Kalle Rovanperä, Sébastien Loeb and Ott Tänak.

Spanish team MAPO Motorsport, which is owned by former WRC driver Xevi Pons, will run a Hyundai for the Paraguayan at round one. The event utilises some of the same stages as WRC Vodafone Rally de Portugal, which Zaldivar will compete in later this year.

“We have some plans, actually, to do some of the ERC events,” Zaldivar revealed to FIAERC.com. “I think it will be good preparation for the WRC rallies.

“First we will go to Fafe, that’s confirmed already. We will drive a Hyundai Rally2 car, but not with the official Hyundai team. MAPO Motorsport will look after the car. After that, it would be good to do a fast rally - maybe in Poland or Latvia.

“The competition level in ERC is quite high, and it has been over the past few years. For me, coming from South America, it’s always interesting to be competing in Europe,” the youngster added.

With more drivers being revealed every day, excitement continues to build for Rally Serras de Fafe, Felgueiras, Boticas, Vieira do Minho e Cabeceiras de Basto.