In a thrilling return to the Stock Car Pro Series, Mitsubishi Motors made a remarkable comeback after 16 years, dominating the grid at Interlagos. The opening race of the 2025 season saw five Mitsubishi cars among the top eight qualifiers, with Felipe Fraga securing the coveted pole position.
On May 3, 2025, Fraga, driving the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross #88 for Eurofarma RC, clocked an impressive time of 1min36s922 during the qualifying session, outpacing his teammate Ricardo Zonta, who finished second with a time of 1min37s068. Cacá Bueno rounded out the top three, clocking in at 1min37s448.
Fraga's performance was nothing short of spectacular, marking the first pole position for the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross in the category. "Our car performed exceptionally well. The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross was wonderful. This is a day to remember: the first pole of this new phase with the new cars," Fraga said, reflecting on his achievement. He noted that while there is still room for adaptation, this was a significant step forward compared to the past.
The collective performance of the Mitsubishi cars was equally impressive, as nine of the ten Eclipse Cross models advanced to Q2, with five finishing in the top eight. Gaetano di Mauro, Fraga's teammate, also made it to Q3, starting from the eighth position.
Mitsubishi Motors' CEO, Mauro Correia, praised the collaborative effort of the teams and the organization of the event. "Vicar and the teams deserve congratulations for their work. This is truly a new era beginning. For Mitsubishi, it was a solid start. The pole shows we are on the right track," Correia stated.
The qualifying session showcased the traditional competitive balance of Stock Car, with drivers from 12 different teams advancing to Q2. Notably, champions like Rubens Barrichello and Daniel Serra failed to reach the final phase, while Felipe Massa and Hélio Castroneves did not even make it to Q2.
The first race of the season is scheduled for Sunday, May 4, 2025, at 12:10 PM, and will be broadcast live on Band, SporTV channels, and the official Stock Car YouTube channel.
As the excitement builds for the race, fans are eager to see how the new generation of SUVs, which have replaced sedans after 45 years, will perform on the track. The new vehicles weigh 1,100 kg, making them 250 kg lighter than their predecessors, and feature advanced technology designed to enhance performance.
In a separate but equally compelling story, Rubens Barrichello, a veteran in the sport and a fan favorite, qualified in 18th place. After struggling with speed on the straightaways, Barrichello expressed his disappointment but remained optimistic about the potential of the new car. "The car is fun to drive, but I lost power on the straight. It’s a delicate moment for the category, and we need to understand the electronic issues affecting performance," he explained.
The race on May 4 promises to be a pivotal moment for the Stock Car Pro Series, as it not only marks the beginning of the season but also introduces significant regulatory changes aimed at enhancing competitiveness. The new rules include a simplified scoring system where the winner earns 15 points, and pit stops are now optional, giving teams more strategic flexibility.
As the teams prepare for the race, the atmosphere at Interlagos is electric, with more than 70,000 spectators expected to fill the stands. The event is not just a race; it’s a celebration of motorsport, showcasing both seasoned veterans and emerging talents.
Fans can look forward to an exhilarating 50-minute race plus one lap, where the new SUVs will undoubtedly make for an exciting spectacle. With the push-to-pass feature allowing drivers to activate extra power strategically, the competition is sure to be fierce.
Fraga's pole position and the strong showing from Mitsubishi set the stage for a thrilling season ahead. As the engines roar to life, all eyes will be on Interlagos to see if Fraga can convert his pole into a victory and kick off the new era of Stock Car with a win. The anticipation is palpable, and the stage is set for a memorable race.
In conclusion, the Stock Car Pro Series 2025 is poised to be a groundbreaking season, with Mitsubishi's return adding a fresh dynamic to the competition. As teams adapt to the new regulations and technologies, fans can expect an exciting series of races that will keep them on the edge of their seats.
