Post by Jon Wilde

Reflecting on Sanya, I keep coming back to one word: trust. Pepe Martí finished the weekend P2, having started 18th. On paper, a remarkable result. In reality, the product of something far harder to build: a genuine partnership between a driver and his race engineer. The strategy that took Pepe from the back of the grid to the podium was born of the trust he and Michael Lee have established this season. The two of them now lead the standings for most positions climbed across the year. These partnerships usually take seasons to forge, for Pepe to be delivering this in his rookie campaign is, frankly, extraordinary. The respect between them is plain to see, and it's a joy to watch. But if I'm honest, the moment I'll remember most from Sanya happened away from the cameras. A late red flag left us with significant damage to both cars, the sort of damage that, on most weekends, ends your race there and then. You'd have forgiven anyone for assuming both cars were done. Our mechanics had other ideas. They refused to accept it. Using every single second available to them, they repaired both cars and got us back out on track. A monumental effort, and one that says everything about the people in this team. This is what true teamwork looks like. We are a team that does not accept failure. Our reward was our second podium of the year. Yes, it was Pepe lifting the trophy, and rightly so. But in Sanya, more than ever, that trophy belonged to every single member of the team who refused to give up. Outstanding work, all of you. Next up, Shanghai! CUPRA KIRO | CUPRA | Duelbits | AQUAME | Reflo® | Racing Force Group