Portuguese motor racing in mourning. Historic pilot Joaquim Santos died

Joaquim Santos is four-time national rally champion: 1982, 1983, 1984 and 1992. “One of the best Portuguese rally drivers ever”, said Ni Amorim, president of FPAK

The history of the Portuguese rallies suddenly disappeared at the age of 71.

Former rally driver Joaquim Santos died this Monday at the age of 71. The information was confirmed by the Portuguese Automobile and Karting Federation (FPAK) through a note published on social media. “The emblematic Portuguese driver, Joaquim Santos, a reference in national rallies, has died. Holding four National Rally Champion titles in 1982, 83, 84 and 92, he marked a generation with the spectacle he gave behind the wheel of different cars, …

Former rally driver Joaquim Santos died today at the age of 71, The president of the Portuguese Automobile Federation confirmed to the Lusa agency and Karting (FPAK), Ni Amorim. “It happened suddenly. He was found dead in home,” said the federal leader. Joaquim Santos was national rally champion four times, in 1982, 1983, 1984 and 1992. “It's a huge loss for Portuguese motorsport. It was one of the best drivers ever that Portugal has ever had at…

Born in Penafiel, Joaquim Santos scored 47 victories in national rallies, first with a Ford Escort 1800 from Diabolique and, later, with the Toyota Celica.

Five-time national champion holds the record for victories in the National Rally Championship