News

Grupo Alves Bandeira is the new sponsor of driver Gonçalo Henriques, reinforcing its commitment to Portuguese motorsport and to supporting national talent competing at the highest level. The partnership will make its debut at Rally de Portugal, one of the most iconic events in the international rally calendar.

Born in Vila Nova de Poiares, where the history of Grupo Alves Bandeira began, Gonçalo Henriques represents not only one of the rising talents of Portuguese motorsport, but also a connection to the roots of one of Portugal’s leading business groups. This sponsorship reflects a clear commitment to supporting local talent that has been steadily establishing itself within the competitive rally scene and is now regarded as one of the country’s most promising drivers.

Gonçalo Henriques will compete alongside co-driver Inês Veiga as part of Team Hyundai Portugal, in what is expected to be a demanding and ambitious participation.

For Grupo Alves Bandeira, this sponsorship reflects the importance of investing in projects that combine talent, dedication and local identity: "It is a great honour to support Gonçalo Henriques in this important stage of his career. Beyond his talent and determination, there is also a special connection to our roots in Vila Nova de Poiares, which makes this sponsorship even more meaningful for us. We strongly believe in his potential and wish him every success throughout the season, especially in the upcoming Rally de Portugal,” says Pedro Bandeira, Board Member of Grupo Alves Bandeira.

For Gonçalo Henriques, the partnership also carries a personal and emotional significance: "It is a great honour and an extra motivation to represent Grupo Alves Bandeira, a brand that has been part of my life since childhood. I remember growing up seeing the fuel stations in my hometown where my father used to fill up the car, or going to the Equestrian Centre where my sister had riding lessons and where I also rode horses. Those are happy memories that now motivate me even more to go as far as possible while representing the brand,” he says.

Rally de Portugal gets underway this Thursday, 7 May, as the second round of the Portuguese Rally Championship (CPR). The event starts in Coimbra and includes iconic stages such as Arganil, Lousã and Góis, municipalities where Grupo Alves Bandeira maintains a strong presence.