The Minister of Culture and Sports, Patricia del Pozo, attended this afternoon at the Royal Stables of Córdoba the official presentation of the forty-second edition of the ‘Rally’ Sierra Morena-Córdoba World Heritage, which takes place from April 3 to 6, and will involve more than a hundred drivers.
Patricia del Pozo emphasized that the ‘Rally’ Sierra Morena «is a benchmark sporting event that this year reaches a new milestone by moving up a category and being eligible for the European Championship, as well as consolidating its position in the Spanish Supercar Championship, reinforcing Andalusia’s status as a hub for motorsports and facilitating the participation of the best teams and drivers in the world.»
The Minister also pointed out that «this rally is not only a showcase of excellence in motorsports but also a platform to highlight the values of effort, sustainability, equality, and teamwork.»
The event, which is supported by the Ministry of Culture and Sports, held its first edition in 1978 and will be the stage where the European Rally FIA 2025, FIA ERC Junior 2025, and ERC Fiesta ‘Rally’ 3 Trophy Championships will kick off. Additionally, it will serve as the opening round of the Andalusian Asphalt Rally Championship (CARA), part of the Spanish Supercar Championship.
Its inclusion in the European Championship over the next three years raises the competitive level and enhances the prestige and economic impact of the rally in the region. According to studies conducted by the University of Córdoba, this event has an average spending return per visitor of over 100 euros per day and a hotel occupancy rate of up to 90% during the competition days.
The ‘Rally’ Sierra Morena-Córdoba will bring together the best national and international drivers in this specialty, who will strive to be the fastest to complete the course of this edition, passing through municipalities like Montoro, Villanueva del Rey, Villaviciosa, Villaharta, Obejo, or Pozoblanco. There will be 13 timed stages covering 209.96 kilometers against the clock, totaling 664.04 kilometers, including liaison sections.
Among the participants, the presence of the current world rally champion, Thierry Neuville, and the current leader, Elfyn Evans, who have won the Rally Sweden and the Safari Rally Kenya, stands out. Jos Verstappen, former Formula 1 driver from 1994 to 2003, and Efrén Llarena, who returns to the ‘Rally’ Sierra Morena after being the European rally champion in 2022, will also participate.
In addition to the Minister of Culture and Sports, the event presentation was attended by the Mayor of Córdoba, José María Bellido, the President of the Córdoba Provincial Council, Salvador Fuentes, the President of the Spanish Automobile Federation, Manuel Aviñó, and the President of the Córdoba Automobile Club, Manuel Muñoz, among other authorities.
