Rising New Zealand rally driver Bryn Jones and co-driver Sean Lockyear have returned home after an unforgettable debut on European roads, competing in the Rali da Água – Transiberico Eurocidade de Chaves Verín, a round of the 2025 Peugeot Rally Cup Iberica.
Backed by respected European motorsport preparation firm PT Racing, the pair exceeded expectations by climbing from thirty-second to ninth overall on day two, finishing sixth in the Peugeot Rally Cup against a field stacked with seasoned Spanish and Portuguese tarmac specialists.
“This weekend has left me absolutely speechless,” said Jones.
“Coming to Europe to compete was always going to be a massive effort, but to achieve this result is a dream come true. The pace here is unbelievable, and the whole experience has lifted us to another level.”
The rally began on Friday with shakedown and opening stages, where the team focused on adapting to the Peugeot 208 Rally4 and the unfamiliar tarmac surfaces.
Saturday brought added drama with two stages cancelled, but with encouragement from PT Racing’s Team Principal, Paulo Antunes, and Team Manager, Filipe Magalhães, Jones and Lockyear were given the green light to push.
Their charge up the classifications included a standout final stage that sealed their top-20 finish.
Lockyear praised his driver’s performance: “Bryn’s professionalism, willingness to learn, and determination were outstanding. To move from thirty-second to ninth in a single day showed what he is capable of. PT Racing’s support and the warm welcome from the Portuguese rally community made the result even more special.”
PT Racing’s Team Principal, Paulo Antunes, was equally impressed:
“Bryn was a very pleasant surprise. For a driver who usually competes on gravel, he adapted quickly and showed strong performance on tarmac. Both Bryn and Sean were determined to improve, while also showing the humility to ask for advice, which helped them progress throughout the rally.
By the final stages, Bryn was matching the pace of established drivers with years of experience in the Peugeot Rally Cup. It was a great pleasure to work with him, and we hope to see him back on Portuguese roads again soon. Meeting the Jones and Lockyear families was also fantastic — they’ve definitely inspired me to make a trip to New Zealand one day.”
Jones and Lockyear also paid tribute to PT Racing and the Peugeot Rally Cup organisers for making their international debut possible.
“The support, the car, the atmosphere – PT Racing made me feel like a World Rally Driver for the week. Obrigado!” said Jones.
With their Portuguese campaign complete, the duo now turn their attention back to New Zealand, where they will line up at Rally Bay of Plenty as part of their push for New Zealand Rally Championship two-wheel-drive honours.
Jones is proudly supported by Craigs Investment Partners, Winmax Brake Pads, Wilson Towing, Cambridge Tyre and Alignment, and Jones Motorsport NZ.
Header Image: Peugeot Rally Cup
