Alejandro Cachón reviews the start of the season after another podium finish at the Acropolis Rally.
Alejandro Cachón and Borja Rozada completed the Acropolis Rally in Greece with a very strong result of third place in WRC2 and second in WRC2 Challenger. Cachón moved up to second place in the WRC2 standings with 61 points and strengthened his lead in WRC2 Challenger with 74, consolidating a first part of the season in which he has shown consistency, speed, and adaptability.
How was the Acropolis Rally?
“It was a very tough rally, one of those where you have to suffer and stay focused until the end. Physically, it was very demanding due to the high temperatures inside the car, and it was also a very tricky test for the mechanics. The stages were very tough, with sections that had very large rocks, a high risk of punctures, and parts where any mistake could cost you a lot of time. Finishing on the podium in a race like that is very valuable.”
What’s your assessment of this first part of the season?
“It’s been very positive. We’ve been very consistent throughout and always been fighting for podium positions, which is fundamental in such a close series. In this type of racing, it’s not just about being fast; you also have to be very consistent and score points in every race. The only regret I have was the retirement in Portugal, because it prevented us from scoring some very important points.”
What has been missing for you to achieve a first victory in 2026?
“I think at times we’ve lacked a bit of luck. We’ve had good pace, been competitive, and always been close, but to win in a championship like this, you need everything to be perfect: the car, the strategy, the race management, and also for the small details to go your way. We’re working well, and I’m convinced that if we continue like this, a victory will come.”
What’s been your strength in these opening races?
“Our main strength has been consistency. We’ve always been in the fight, even in very different races. We have great speed on asphalt and feel very comfortable there, which has allowed us to set good times and be competitive from the start. I’d also highlight the team’s ability to adapt to each situation and get the most out of very different conditions.”
How is your Toyota adapting to the different races on the calendar?
“The Toyota is a great car and is adapting very well to all terrains. It’s a very complete vehicle, with very solid performance on both tarmac and gravel. It has great traction, especially on gravel, which gives us a lot of confidence on tricky sections with low grip or rougher surfaces. That adaptability is key in such a varied calendar.”
“Our main strength has been consistency.”
How is the development work on the Repsol lubricant going?
“The development is going very well and the team are very satisfied. We are working very well together and the progress is very positive. Repsol lubricants are performing perfectly in all of the extreme conditions we are facing, from very high temperatures to sections that are very demanding on the mechanics. For us, it is very important to have products that offer reliability and performance in such tough conditions.”
Which rivals do you think are in the best form?
“There’s a lot of rivalry in the class, and the level of talent is very high. Right now, I’d say there are up to six drivers with a real chance of winning at the end of the year. That shows how close the championship is and how important it will be not to make any mistakes in the upcoming races. Each race can change the standings a lot, so we’ll have to be very focused and keep putting together good results.”
What will be the key to winning the title?
“The key will be maintaining consistency, not making mistakes, and taking advantage of every opportunity that comes our way. We’re second in the standings, and there’s still a long way to go, so we have to keep pushing. Getting a victory before the end of the year would be important for the title, because it would give us a lot of points and also a very important confidence boost. We’ll have to take things race by race, but with ambition.”
What aspects have made the difference for the Toyota Gazoo Racing Spain team in terms of performance during the first half of the year?
“The key has been the consistency and speed we’ve shown in every rally. We have managed to be competitive on all types of surfaces and always been in the fight for the podium. This consistent work by the team and the ability to perform at our best are the aspects that have made the difference during this first half of the season.”
How would you describe the evolution of the Toyota GR Yaris Rally2?
“The Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 has proven to be a very complete car in every aspect. It adapts perfectly to any surface and to the different conditions we encounter in each rally, which allows us to maintain a very competitive pace regardless of the terrain. This versatility gives us a lot of confidence to face any challenge.”
If you could choose one moment from this season that represents the spirit of the team, what would it be?
“Without a doubt, the Japan Rally. We fought for the victory until the very end, never giving up.”That rally perfectly reflects the spirit of Toyota Gazoo Racing Spain: commitment, effort, and giving it your all for the win, down to the last tenth of a second.”
Can you tell us anything about 2027?
“It’s still early, and we don’t know what the future holds. Right now, we’re focused on finishing this season strong and continuing to fight for our goals. When the time comes, we’ll see what options are available for 2027, but for now, the priority is to keep working, finish the year in the best possible way, and take advantage of any opportunities that come along.”
