Rising New Zealand rally talent, Bryn Jones, is set to take on his first international competition this September, competing in a round of the 2025 Peugeot Rally Cup Iberica, thanks to the support of respected European motorsport firm, PT Racing.
The 23-year-old, who has been a regular in the New Zealand Rally Championship since 2021, will line up at Rali da Água – Transiberico Eurocidade De Chaves Verin, held in Chaves, Portugal, on the 19th and 20th of September.
The event forms part of the Portuguese Rally Championship and will mark Jones’ debut on European roads.
“This is such an awesome opportunity to finally compete in Europe. Something I have been dreaming of since I was a kid,” said Jones.
While his main focus for 2025 remains the New Zealand Rally Championship two-wheel-drive Championship, the Portugal outing represents an exciting taste of international competition and a chance to explore future opportunities abroad.
“Our priority this year is our commitment to the New Zealand Rally Championship two-wheel-drive category, but when the opportunity came up to go overseas and compete, it was hard to say no!”
The entry will see Jones compete in a Peugeot 208 Rally4, alongside long-time codriver Sean Lockyear, with the backing of PT Racing, a proven name in European rally preparation and logistics.
“I have heard great things about the series and the team at PT Racing, so it builds me up with confidence that Sean, the car and I can perform.”
Although most of his experience to date has been on gravel, Jones has recently stepped into the world of tarmac rallying — most notably at the Taranaki Tarmac Rally in July, where he placed fifth overall and first in Class in his first full tarmac event.
“Tarmac is still new territory for me, with most of my experience being on gravel. As part of our preparation for Portugal, we tackled the Taranaki Tarmac Rally back in July. We came away with fifth Overall and first in our Class! – a great way to start learning and adapting my driving style for tarmac surfaces”
“I enjoy a challenge, so I’m really looking forward to going out and showing what we can do.”
Jones is proudly supported by Craigs Investment Partners, Winmax Brake Pads, Wilson Towing, Cambridge Tyre and Alignment, and Jones Motorsport NZ.
Header Image: Geoff Ridder
