SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Feb. 19, 2025 – As part of the Stellantis Motorsport Young Driver Program (YDP), 20-year-old Chilean driver Nico Pino recently experienced his first drive in a Citroën C3 Rally2 during a test session organized by Citroën Racing.
From Track to Rally: A New Challenge
A driver with a background in track and endurance racing, Pino had previously tested the DS E-TENSE FE25 all-electric single-seater at the end of 2024. The Stellantis Motorsport Young Driver Program is designed to identify, train, and develop promising young drivers across various motorsport disciplines.
Pino's journey began in go-karting and single-seater racing (Formula 4 and Euroformula). In 2021, he transitioned to Endurance racing, competing in the Asian Le Mans Series, the European Le Mans Series, the IMSA Weathertech SportsCar Championship, and the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). His achievements include an LMP2 podium finish at the Centenary 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2023 and a third-place finish in the GT3 class at the 6 Hours of São Paulo in 2024. He also recently participated in the 24 Hours of Daytona (Florida, USA) in a top-level GTP class (Hypercar) prototype.
Joining the Stellantis Motorsport Young Driver Program
Recognized by Stellantis Motorsport, Pino joined the Young Driver Program (YDP) in April 2024. Prior to his rally experience, he had the opportunity to test the Gen2 DS E-TENSE FE21 and Gen3 DS E-TENSE FE25 all-electric single-seaters during eight test sessions between April and November 2024.
First Rally Experience: Citroën C3 Rally2
On February 11th, Pino had his first taste of rallying, driving a Citroën C3 Rally2 during a test session organized and supervised by Citroën Racing on the gravel base of Saint-Brès, near Alès.
The test took place in rainy conditions, allowing Pino to gradually adapt to the damp and slippery surface. He learned about trail braking on loose surfaces and, importantly, communication with his co-driver for the day, Guillaume Mercoiret – a crucial aspect of rallying that differs from his usual racing setup. Under the guidance of Yohan Rossel, recent winner of the WRC2 class at the Rallye Monte-Carlo, and with support from Rossel Compétition, Pino quickly grasped the fundamentals of rallying, gaining confidence with each mile driven.
Adapting to the Demands of Rallying
Accustomed to the precision of circuit racing and the strategic approach of endurance racing, Pino had to significantly adjust his driving style for this initial gravel rallying experience. Unlike endurance racing, where each turn is repeated with a defined racing line, rallying requires instant adaptability to varying conditions, including different road surfaces, unknown turns, and constantly changing grip levels.
"The thing that surprised me the most was having to react constantly. In endurance racing, we have a precise set of references on each lap. Here, the surface is constantly changing, and I had to trust the pace notes and my feeling and adapt my line in real time. It’s a totally different challenge, but it’s an incredible learning experience!", explained Nico Pino.
The Value of Versatility
Didier Clement, Stellantis Motorsport Customer Racing Sporting Manager, commented: “The Stellantis Motorsport Young Driver Program is designed to identify and develop talented drivers of the future by providing them with a unique experience in various branches of motorsport. Nico Pino’s transition to rallying with the Citroën C3 Rally2 is the perfect illustration of this approach. We’re convinced that versatility is an essential quality for top-level drivers and this immersive experience in rallying is a key stage in his learning. We are looking forward to seeing how Nico will incorporate this experience into the rest of his career.”
For more information visit.