Autosportfoto

President backs Bulacia

Bolivian president Evo Morales is supporting teenager Marquito Bulacia as he prepares to begin his WRC 2 programme in Mexico next week.

Morales spoke on Thursday at the launch of the 17-year-old's six-round campaign, in which he will go up against fellow teen sensation Kalle Rovanperä. Bulacia is four days older than the Finn.

"Marquito Bulacia is a pride for the Bolivians - our respect and admiration for him and his family," Morales said.

"I know this sport involves a lot of investment and risk at the same time. But every citizen of Bolivia chooses his way of representing and defending our country and Marquito, at the age of just 17, has chosen to do so from the point of view of motorsport.

"I have been able to follow for some time his participation at international level and we have been surprised by how he is doing."

Bulacia and Argentine co-driver Fernando Mussano will crew an M-Sport Ford World Rally Team Fiesta R5. After Rally Guanajuato Mexico (8 - 11 March), they will compete in Argentina, Italy, Great Britain, Spain and Australia.

"I'm excited to be able to represent my country and at the same time very proud. It's incredible, a dream come true," said Bulacia, son of experienced Dakar Rally rider Marco.

A former karter, Marquito won his class in the Bolivian Championship two years ago at the age of 15. He came to notice in Europe in December when he drove a Fiesta WRC to the semi-finals of the Bettega Memorial rallysprint in Bologna.

"I've been preparing a lot physically. I think WRC is a very demanding competition and many days between tests, recce and the rally itself generate great physical demands.

"Mentally, I try not to think about it too much. I prefer that everything flows and discover it step by step. On the other hand, I'm only 17 years old and I attend school!" added Bulacia.

Zdroj: wrc.com