Brazilian Marfiso Menezes, with his mother Jane Menezes, alongside, today began their participation in the final round of the 2008 South American Rally Championship, the XV Rally del Atlântico in Uruguay, with one hand on the title.

Brazilian Marfiso Menezes, with his mother Jane Menezes, alongside in the navigator's seat, today began their participation in the final round of the 2008 South American Rally Championship, the XV Rally del Atlântico in Uruguay, with one hand on the championship title in the A6 category.

With seven rounds having been completed, the Brazilian crew, who race a Fiat Palio for the Menezes Competições Team, are leading South American Rally Championship in the A6 category which is reserved for cars with engines under 2000 cc, 4x2 traction, and free levels of preparation; and today their path to the winning the title gets underway.

The XV Rally del Atlántico is the eighth and last event on this year's calendar, and it is taking place in the city of Punta del Este, in Uruguay. It starts today and continues on through Saturday before finishing on Sunday.

In the South American drivers' championship Marfiso Menezes holds the leadership, with a 60 point advantage, which gives him a massive 28 point cushion over the second placed pilot. "We have a good advantage but we are concentrating in this round. The car is good, and we will focus in doing a good race, and to bring one more title to Brazil", affirmed Marfiso Menezes.

"This title is very important for us. We are driving in a car that is very good and we are going to Punta del Este thinking planning to do a good race," declared his co-driver Jane Menezes. The crew, well known for being a mother and son team, are the current champions of South American Rally Championship in the N2 category, reserved for cars with engines under 1600 cc, 4x2 traction and limited preparation.

by Claudio Perlini