Leonel Pernía Claims Second TCR Title as Raphael Reis Falls in 2026 Race

by Daniel Perez - News Editor
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Pernía claimed the crown after championship rival Raphael Reis suffered problems in the first part of the race, ending his championship bid and handing the title to Pernía. Pernía finished fourth in the race, which was enough to secure his first TCR Brasil crown and his second title following his 2025 TCR South America championship.

Title Race Decided by Early Drama

Reis ultimately retired from the race, ending his championship bid and handing the title to Pernía. Pernía finished fourth in the race, which was enough to secure his first TCR Brasil crown and his second title following his 2025 TCR South America championship.

Honda Racing enjoyed a successful weekend overall. In addition to Pernía’s drivers’ championship, the manufacturer secured the teams’ title, and Adrián Chiriano claimed the Copa Trophy honors, according to official series data.

Joaquín Cafaro Claims Maiden Victory

While the championship battle unfolded further back, Uruguay Racing Team driver Joaquín Cafaro drove to his first career victory behind the wheel of a Peugeot 308 TCR, according to race classifications. Cafaro converted his strong start into a commanding lead, setting the fastest lap of the race and securing the first-ever win for both himself and his team.

Pedro Cardoso crossed the finish line second overall, securing his second victory of the season in the TCR Brasil classification after a fierce charge through the field. Fabricio Pezzini rounded out the overall podium in third place, driving a Lynk & Co for Paladini Racing to his first podium finish in four years, according to series records.

Championship Standings and Upcoming Schedule

With the TCR Brasil season concluding in Curitiba, the final championship standings position Leonel Pernía at the top with 286 points, followed by Raphael Reis with 262 points and Pedro Cardoso with 216 points, according to official data. In the parallel TCR South America standings—which reached its midpoint—Pernía leads with 265 points ahead of Reis at 227 points.

🔴 LIVE | TCR South America – Race 1 (Round 05 – Velocitta)

The TCR South America championship now enters a three-week break before heading to Argentina for the next stretch of the season. Series officials announced that the upcoming round will take place at Córdoba on August 21–23, replacing Termas de Río Hondo, ahead of the season finale scheduled for December in El Pinar, Uruguay.

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