Arinsal Hill Climb Kicks Off Andorra Mountain Motorsport Championship with Record Entries

The Arinsal Hill Climb opens the Andorra Mountain Motorsport Championship (CAAM) this weekend, 30 and 31 May, drawing 82 entrants on Saturday and 84 on Sunday across a new double-race format.

Organised by the Andorran Automobile Club (ACA), the event splits into two independent races—Arinsal 1 on Saturday and Arinsal 2 on Sunday—each offering separate points, standings and trophies. Sessions each day start at 9am with practice followed by three timed runs. CAAM standings use drivers' two best times per day, while the French second-division series (CFM) awards points on the single fastest run. Around 47 CAAM drivers and 35 CFM teams are taking part.

ACA general secretary Toti Sasplugas described the numbers as optimal, with a safety cap at 100 participants. "It's the perfect figure to compete safely and deliver a great show," he said. He highlighted the event as the calendar's most iconic race and noted its shift away from Spanish championship points to bolster national growth while retaining the CFM tie-in. "With the French second-division championship, due to proximity and quality, we're very comfortable. That's our natural place for the Arinsal Hill Climb," Sasplugas said. "The line for the future is to keep the CFM for fantastic racing and build more CAAM rounds. The Spanish championship is out." Dividing the event also adds an extra round to the national calendar, he added.

The 4.1km course offers a stunning natural setting, with free chairlift access for spectators to watch the start and finish. Massana's lead consul Eva Sansa welcomed its role in extending the tourist season. "It's a well-established event that we motor enthusiasts enjoy... We're working intensively on de-seasonalisation and very pleased to host this competition for many years," she said.

Standout CAAM entrants include defending winner Joan Gil, VHC category victor Cristian Mayorales (also listed as Mayoralas in some previews), rising star Erik Faura, Joan Vinyes with debuting son Joan Vinyes Jr., Ferran Font, Gerard de la Casa, Jordi Enjuanes, Felipe Brandao, Lucas Piccino, Ramon Plaus and Cipriano Ramírez. CFM runners feature Sébastien Jacqmin and Ronald Garcés, coming off Quillan. ACA's Young Drivers Programme fields Guilherme da Silva Ramos, Miquel Guiral, Biel Martínez, Marcel Sala and Mikel Sánchez.

ACA president Enric Tarrado attended the launch event.