La Plata, Argentina – Juan Antonio Sandín, driving a Ford Ranger, secured the pole position for the opening round of the 2026 TC Pista Pick Up season at the Autódromo Roberto Mouras. The qualifying session marked the debut of a new Formula 1-style format, featuring three “qualis” of eight minutes each, where the fastest times determine the starting grid. Sandín clocked a time of 1min31.053 to top the charts, establishing himself as an early favorite in the championship.
The new qualifying system proved to be a thrilling spectacle, pushing drivers to deliver their best laps under pressure. Sandín’s performance was particularly impressive, as he similarly led the afternoon session, demonstrating consistent speed throughout the day. This marks a significant achievement for the driver from Santa Cruz, signaling a strong start to the season. The qualifying results set the stage for an exciting race day, with the series adopting a more dynamic and competitive format.
Qualifying Results: Top 10
Santiago Biagi, piloting the Toyota Hilux of Rus Med Team, finished a close second, just 0.039 seconds behind Sandín. Biagi had previously topped the morning practice session, confirming his potential to challenge for the lead. Tomás Pellandino secured third place with a Ford Ranger, having led the second qualifying session and pushing for faster times throughout the day. The difficulty of the La Plata circuit, particularly the fourth corner, presented a challenge for tire management and overall qualifying performance.
A notable incident occurred with Juan Pablo Alberti, who finished fourth in his debut but was penalized for impeding the lap of Nicanor Santilli Pazos. Santilli Pazos inherited fourth position. The top 10 was completed by Manuel Borgert in fifth, Alberti in sixth, Juan Pablo Guiffrey in seventh, Nahuel Cordone in eighth, Antonino Sganga (who received a technical sanction) in ninth and Gonzalo Aramburu in tenth. You can identify more details about the qualifying session on Campeones.com.ar.
Qualifying Breakdown: Sessions and Eliminations
José Antonio Sandín led the first qualifying session, while the second was topped by Tomás Pellandino. Several drivers were eliminated after each session. Emiliano Simonetti, Álvaro Oroza, Mario Baldo, Néstor Omar Goya, Marcelo Vergagni, José Carlos Montanari, and Alejandro Inella were eliminated after the first round. Hernán Sala, Luis Catelli, and Faustino Cifre did not advance from the second round.
The series organizers have implemented this new qualifying format to increase excitement and provide a more accurate reflection of each driver’s pace. The change aims to create more competitive racing and attract a wider audience. The Autódromo Roberto Mouras proved to be a challenging track, demanding precision and strategic tire management from all competitors.
Race Day Lineups
The series will be held tomorrow, with the first race scheduled for 10:00 AM local time. The starting grid for the first series will feature Sandín and Pellandino in the front rows, while Biagi and Santilli Pazos will start from the front of the second series. The race promises to be a thrilling contest, with drivers battling for position and valuable championship points. According to actc.org.ar, Sandín will start from the best place in the first series.
The TC Pista Pick Up season has begun with a bang, and Juan Antonio Sandín has set the early pace. The competition is fierce, and the new qualifying format has added an extra layer of excitement. Fans can expect a thrilling season filled with close racing and dramatic moments. The series continues to build momentum as it heads into the first races of the year.
The upcoming races will be crucial for drivers looking to establish themselves as championship contenders. With the new qualifying format in place, consistency and speed will be key to success. The Autódromo Roberto Mouras has provided a challenging start to the season, and the drivers will require to adapt quickly to the demands of the track. Stay tuned for further updates as the TC Pista Pick Up season unfolds.
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