Dominant win for Gryazin, Master Cup victory for Verstappen, and standout drives across the field in the ERC opener
The 2025 European Rally Championship kicked off in spectacular fashion with the Rally Sierra Morena – Córdoba Patrimonio de la Humanidad, held on the fast and technical tarmac roads of Andalusia, Spain. It was a weekend full of excitement, and we’re proud to highlight the exceptional performances of the drivers supported by our services.
Nikolay Gryazin Dominates the Rally
Nikolay Gryazin delivered a masterclass from start to finish. After setting the fastest time in the Qualifying Stage on Friday, the Bulgarian driver never relinquished the lead, setting a blistering pace throughout the rally. His consistent speed, combined with precision and control, allowed him to build and manage a solid gap over his rivals, ultimately securing victory in the first round of the ERC 2025.
His dominance on the Spanish tarmac reaffirms his position as one of the top contenders for the championship this season.
José Antonio “Cohete” Suárez Strong on Home Soil
José Antonio Suárez once again proved his consistency and competitiveness on home ground. The Spanish ace was in the mix for the podium throughout the weekend, putting on a solid performance in front of an enthusiastic local crowd. His knowledge of the terrain and sharp pace highlight him as a driver to watch closely in the coming rounds.
Rising Talents: Sergi Pérez Jr. and Romet Vaher
Sergi Pérez Jr., one of the brightest young prospects in Spanish rallying, showed promising pace across the stages. His development curve continues to impress, with each outing showing maturity and speed. He’s clearly gaining ground among the ERC’s most talented up-and-comers. Sergi wins the Junior ERC Championship.
Jaspar Vaher, the Estonian youngster, gained crucial mileage and experience on unfamiliar tarmac surfaces, reaching the 3rd place of the Junior ERC Championship. Events like Sierra Morena are instrumental in the growth of young talents, and Vaher handled the challenge with professionalism and grit.
Verstappen Takes ERC Master Cup Win
It was also a weekend to remember for Jos Verstappen, who claimed victory in the ERC Master Cup category. The former Formula 1 driver and rally enthusiast continues to impress in the discipline, showcasing confidence, adaptability, and a sharp driving style. His class win adds another trophy to his growing rally résumé.
Special mention: Johansson’s Breakthrough Performance
Mille Johansson impressed in Córdoba with a fast, confident drive that turned heads across the service park. The young Swede showed maturity beyond his years, combining pace and precision on unfamiliar roads. His performance in a Rally2 car marked him as one of the most exciting young talents to watch this season.
A Promising Start to ERC 2025
We are incredibly proud of the dedication and passion shown by all our clients at Rally Sierra Morena. Their results reflect months of preparation, teamwork, and relentless commitment to excellence. As the season unfolds, we look forward to supporting their journey and celebrating more milestones together.
See full rally results on ewrc-results.com
Stay tuned for more updates, behind-the-scenes stories, and race recaps throughout the 2025 ERC season!
