Ferreira set to stir fan fever with Lancia debut at Lousada
The legendary Lancia name will grace the FIA European Rallycross Championship grid during next month’s double-header season finale at Lousada in Portugal, after home hero Hélder Ferreira confirmed his participation in Euro RX4 in a brand new Ypsilon Rally4 HF.
An avid rallycross fan from a very young age, Ferreira’s experience in the dual-surface discipline might be – by his own admission – ‘limited’, but his enthusiasm is limitless.
A late starter in the sport, he contested four rounds of the domestic series’ 2RM class in a Citroën Saxo two years ago, before switching to a Renault Clio Rally 5 in 2025 and subsequently reaching the top step of the rostrum in the Open RX division at Montalegre earlier this season with a Ford Fiesta R2.
Having only competed at national level to-date, the 46-year-old – a Lousada native – is now preparing to test his mettle on the international scene for the first time. For his maiden appearance in Euro RX4, Ferreira has purchased a Lancia that bears his own initials (HF) via official distributor, Sports&You, with the car – never previously seen in the championship – due to be delivered direct from Italy prior to being liveried ahead of the race weekend on 12-13 September.
“I specifically chose Euro RX4 because I watched it live for the first time in Latvia and enjoyed seeing these young drivers, who are very competitive and, above all, show great respect for one another on the track,” he revealed. “From what I’ve seen of this category, I think it’s one where the drivers have a lot of fun and it seems to have attracted a great deal of interest as it’s something new.
“My aim – in my home town, in front of thousands of fans, many of whom are my friends – is simply to enjoy myself behind the wheel of this magnificent and unique car that I’ve chosen for my debut, and to entertain everyone who comes to watch this spectacular event.
“We are a region that is passionate about rallycross, with a rich history in the sport. I’d like to congratulate Lousada Town Council and the Clube Automóvel de Lousada for the excellent work they have done on the refurbishment of the track, and the FIA for their superb organisation of every Euro RX round. What I want more than anything is for all of the participants to have a great time and to feel welcome in my hometown, where I’m sure they will return...”
