Javier Pardo, driver of the Rally de Ourense: “We will see you in the rhythm of the fight for victory”

He is the current driver from Ourense, the only one qualified to climb to the top of the podium on Saturday at San Lázaro Park. Javier Pardo (Allariz 1996), with MRF Hyundai i20N Rally2 tires, was invited to touch the sky in his country, in front of his fans, family and friends. Spanish Junior Champion in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, Spanish R4 Champion in 2020, ERC2 European Champion in 2021 and Absolute European Vice-Champion in 2022. Now he has the chance to add something more to his record, a home rally

—Finally we have a driver in Ourense with options to win our rally.

— I feel motivated to fight for the top of the podium, it would be a source of pride for everyone, after so many years without winning the home rally in Ourense. It also shows that the level is always high here.

— Do you see yourself capable of beating rivals who are known as experts for this type of surface on asphalt?

— Yes, we will see you with the rhythm and mentality of fighting for victory. We have already shown in the Canary Islands that we have a good level on this surface, and at home I hope that we will give a little more.

—Are there many differences between Hyundai and Skoda?

—Yes, there are differences, especially the operation of the chassis. The Hyundai asks me more in terms of attack, it’s not as tame as the Skoda, but both are very efficient and fun to drive.

—How do you see the route of this edition on the map?

— Rally de Ourense without hardness is not our Rally de Ourense. This year’s again has everything, complex sections, wide, narrow and let’s not forget that we are in Galicia, it gets dirty from all sides and you can find some kind of surprise in a beat that you didn’t guess right. I like the route and we have to thank the team for a good job that always tries to improve little by little.

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Pardo, at the wheel of his Hyundai in one of this season’s races. PHOTO RFE

“Mastering asphalt and dirt is key to improving your level”

Pardo honed his skills in continental trials, before returning to the up-and-coming Spanish Super Championship.

—Did the races in Europe mature you as a pilot?

— Long rallies with many kilometers, where everything is new and each test is different from the previous one, makes you progress yes or yes. I learned many things, first of all to control myself mentally and to prepare much more in advance for rallies.

— How do you see the Super Championship for young values ​​against ERC or WRC?

—Dominance on two surfaces, asphalt and clay, is essential to improve the level and compete in any international championship. I’ve been doing my SCER since 2016, when I started combining dirt tests, the surface I started in because of my father’s knowledge, and asphalt. It was crucial for me.

— What can go through your head if you climb to the top of the pedestal?

— First of all, a sense of pride and gratitude, for a humble family like mine, who work side by side every day and give me everything they can and more so that I can enjoy the realization of my dream. And thanks to the Rallycar team and MRF for the best wheels and amazing support. And of course, Ourense Termal, who believed in me from the beginning, and there they continue at the bottom of the canyon. Nor could I forget the work of the Ourense team or those essential fans.