Fernando Soares becomes the first Azores Masters Rally Champion

Fernando Soares has become the first Azores Masters Rally Champion after finishing fourth overall at the 15th Rali Vinho do Pico. The driver from São Jorge competed in his new Opel Corsa Rally4 alongside co-driver Miguel Sousa Azevedo.

The title comes in his second consecutive season competing in the main Azorean rally competitions, following an 18-year absence from the stages. His comeback was inspired by the Rali Capital do Queijo e das Fajãs, an event that now counts towards both the Azores Rally Championship and the Azores Gravel Rally Trophy.

«The arrival of the Rali Capital do Queijo e das Fajãs was just the incentive I needed to race again. Adapting to these new cars went very well, and almost two seasons have flown by, now with a title to celebrate», said Fernando Soares.

The project is supported by a partnership with the municipalities of Velas and Calheta, promoting São Jorge as a tourism destination through their respective Capital do Queijo and Capital das Fajãs brands.

The 2026 season began with third place overall at his home rally, followed by eighth at the inaugural Rali da Praia and fifth at the Rallye de Ponta Delgada. Still driving the Lancia Ypsilon Rally4, Soares retired from both the Rali Ilha Azul-Cidade Mar and the Rali Ilha Graciosa, the latter following an accident. He made his Opel Corsa Rally4 debut at the Volta à Ilha a São Miguel, finishing tenth.

Throughout the season, Soares has been partnered by Alberto Almeida, his co-driver when he made his rally debut in 1994, Mariana Machado and, at the two most recent events, Terceira-born Miguel Sousa Azevedo. His Opel Corsa Rally4 is prepared and serviced by Sports & You.

With one round remaining in the 2026 Azores Rally Championship, Soares sits fifth overall and fourth in the two-wheel-drive (2WD) category. He secured third place both overall and in 2WD in the Azores Gravel Rally Trophy. In the Azores-Silva Peças Asphalt Rally Trophy, he currently holds third overall and second in 2WD.

Despite the accident on Graciosa, Soares described the season as «very positive». «The most recent events have shown that I can still be quick and, above all, that we continue to enjoy taking part in this sport», he added.