Rallye TT de Guadalajara: Muddy battle challenges Gameiro and Pereira in the MINI JCW Rally 3.0d
03/10/2026
- 19th place for the all-female duo
- Time penalty costs Top 10 position
Last weekend’s Rallye TT de Guadalajara proved to be one of the most grueling tests at the very start of the Spanish Off-Road Championship season. Extreme weather conditions and a technically demanding route pushed Maria Gameiro and Bárbara Pereira to their limits in the MINI JCW Rally 3.0d. Despite a strong performance behind the wheel, time penalties prevented a top result in the overall standings.
Persistent rain and freezing temperatures transformed the tracks in the Guadalajara region into a field of mud. The sodden ground and extremely tight, twisty sections presented a massive challenge, particularly for the vehicles in the Ultimate class. In some parts, the route was so narrow that collisions with trees were unavoidable. This is also reflected in the overall classification, where numerous Challenger vehicles managed to break into the Top 10.
Furthermore, this marked the first rally for the Gameiro/Pereira duo. The two women adapted to each other quickly and performed well in terms of navigation. Unfortunately, they missed three waypoints during a special stage. Race control imposed a total time penalty of 45 minutes, which dropped the team significantly in the overall classification. Without this penalty, a Top 10 finish would have been achievable; instead, the duo had to settle for 19th place.
Also competing were Jose Garcia and Manuel Navarro in their MINI JCW Rally. The Spanish pair also battled the harsh conditions, successfully securing a Top 10 finish in eighth place.
Statements
Maria Gameiro (MINI JCW Rally 3.0d): „That was one of the toughest races of my career. It was pouring with rain, it was freezing cold, and the track was actually far too narrow for our vehicle class. We literally gave it our all, but under these conditions, it was sometimes impossible to get the MINI through the trees without damage. To fall so far back in the end due to a 45-minute penalty for three missed waypoints is extremely bitter—especially since I’ve stood on the podium here in the past. Nevertheless, the collaboration with Bárbara was fantastic, and we fought our way through the mud all the way to the finish.“
Overall standings
1. J. Ferreira / F. Palmeiro – Toyota – 5h 09m 55s
2. E. Sune / C. Estevez – Taurus – 5h 14m 58s
3. R. Porem / N. Sousa – Kaizen – 5h 19m 56s
4. J. Pliego / J. Montserrat – Taurus – 5h 44m 25s
5. R. Camara / R. Jimena – Can-Am – 5h 49m 01s
…
8. J. Garcia / M. Navarro – MINI JCW Rally – 5h 56m 58s
…
19. M. Gameiro / B. Pereira – MINI JCW Rally 3.0d – 7h 03m 37s
