In an exhilarating display of skill and competition, Alfonso Domenech celebrated a long-awaited victory in the Class 3 category of TN racing at the Paraná circuit. After nearly a year without a win, Domenech, driving a VW Virtus, finally tasted success again since his last triumph at the start of the 2025 season, which also took place at the same venue. This time, he was joined on the podium by José Manuel Urcera, who piloted a Ford Focus, and together they delivered an impressive show during the opening race of the 2026 season.
The race commenced with a thrilling battle between Mauricio Lambiris, in another Ford Focus, and Facundo Chapur, who was behind the wheel of a Honda Civic. The two drivers started from the front row, and while the driver from Cordoba managed to overtake the Uruguayan, he lost control entering the chicane, dropping down to seventh place. In the following lap, Domenech, starting from third, seized the opportunity to move ahead of the MG-C Pergamino Competición driver who had temporarily taken the lead. A crucial incident occurred on the fourth lap when Lambiris collided with the wall at Turn 1, allowing Urcera to rise to second position, where he would engage in a captivating duel with Domenech.
After a relentless pursuit, the GR Competición driver, Urcera, managed to take the lead during the 13th lap. However, the reigning champion from 2024 swiftly regained control on the next lap, ultimately securing his sixth victory in Class 3 of TN racing and his third win with the VW Virtus, marking his 20th race with this vehicle.
"It was an incredible final, where we pushed hard throughout the race. Our pace was quite similar to that of Manu (Urcera), who kept me on my toes the entire time. When he passed me, I chose not to engage too aggressively, knowing I'd have another chance. Thankfully, when I went for it again, I managed to overtake him with a well-executed maneuver. We kicked off this season just like last year; let's hope it doesn't end the same way," Domenech shared during an interview on AM590 Continental and Campeones Radio.
Urcera celebrated his second consecutive podium finish, having previously secured third place at the 2025 championship finale in Mendoza. This weekend was particularly poignant for him, as it came shortly after the passing of his grandfather, Ernesto Urcera. "I have mixed feelings, but ultimately this is my job. It was a good weekend. I would have signed up for a second place after the practice sessions, yet being so close to winning makes you want more. Alfonso (Domenech) and I executed some excellent maneuvers together..." the Ford driver reflected.
As was the case at the last event of the previous season, Urcera stood on the podium alongside Facundo Chapur, who filled in for Urcera at Larrauri Racing. Despite an initial mishap in the first lap, Chapur bounced back to record his 38th podium finish in Class 3 of TN racing, solidifying his participation just four days before the race weekend.
Looking ahead, the next TN event is scheduled to take place on March 14 and 15 at the Oscar Cabalén racetrack in Villa Parque Santa Ana, Córdoba province.
