Somaca issued the following announcement on Aug. 21.

It was Ayrton Senna who made me follow the Renault competitions in the car sport. I was only ten years old when he passed away and he will remain an icon for me.

From an early age, Thiago Cruz is passionate about motorsport and a fan of legendary F1 driver Ayrton Senna. Like his idol, this Brazilian began karting from childhood for him too, live the competition, hear the roar of engines, smell the smell of gum burnt and try to triumph at the lowering of the checkered flag.

Thiago Cruz joins Renault Brazil as a process engineer for the sheet metal department at the Ayrton Senna plant in Curitiba in 2011. He never thought that working in the establishment that bears the name of his hero would allow him to meet the car of his life and satiate his passion.

A REAL LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT

The meeting between Thiago and the Renault Sandero RS takes place in 2015, year of launch of the city sports car, manufactured in its factory. He immediately falls in love with it.

With the acquisition of its first model in 2016, Thiago is preparing to live an incredible moment. After witnessing Ayrton Senna's performances during his childhood, it's his turn to get the adrenaline and experience the joys of making the most of his track performance.

Thiago Cruz-Renault Sandero-RS

For his first race, he faces other Brazilian riders on the Autodromo Internacional circuit of Curitiba at the "Renault Speed Experience" event created by Renault Sport. He finished in fifth place. Beautiful beginnings but do not satisfy him entirely.

THE COMPETITION TO SEAL THEIR LOVE

A month later, he returns to the track, determined to do better. And there, it hits a big blow! After a strong race against 24 competitors on the circuit of the car show in Curitiba, the 30-year-old won the race with two trophies: first place and best tou!

This is one of my best memories. Not only because I won, but also because all my family and friends were there to encourage me.

One thing is certain, Ayrton Senna has managed to pass on his competitive spirit to Thiago Cruz. Today he has five trophies in five races, including two cups for the same race.

Thiagio Cruz-Renault Sandero-RS

FAITHFUL FIDELITY

In 2018, Thiago reaffirms its love for the Renault Sandero RS by being one of the first to offer the new edition even more exclusive (1,500 copies) and specific to Brazil, Sandero RS Racing Spirit.

I have the number 97! I find in this car an even higher level of sportiness, with tires dedicated to racing, 17-inch Grand Prix alloy wheels and red inserts that give it another level of finish. It's also a unique car because the serial number is written next to the gear lever.

A RELATIONSHIP MADE TO LAST

Thiago Cruz-Renault Sandero-RS

For his car races, the champion does not make any changes to his car, this is the model released from the factory. Thiago can nevertheless count on the Sandero RS club of Curitiba with 3000 members. They meet once a month to talk about their shared passion and gather some advice (better tires, next races, etc.).

I had some great moments with this car. Not only my sporting victories, it is also with her that I brought my son and my wife back from maternity. She has a lot of value.

Today, Thiago will not be exchanging anything for the Sandero RS and is already preparing to participate in the next competitions in Brazil.

Renault Sandero RS, an attraction on the Brazilian market

Renault Sandero-RS-2019

Designed and developed by Renault Sport exclusively for Latin America, Renault Sandero RS is the first Renault Sport model manufactured outside Europe. With 5 seats and 5 doors, this sporty city car offers optimal functionality. It's a true sports car with a six-speed manual transmission, ESC with a sport program, four disc brakes and specific suspension settings.

This compact city car takes Renault Sport's iconic styling codes with its RS grille, a redesigned front bumper with F1 blade and a rear bumper with diffuser and dual exhaust. In its latest version, it is equipped with 17-inch black diamond wheels, red brake calipers and a new LED rear light signature. Four colors are available: red, white, gray and black, with a new emblematic Renault Sport side badge.

Performance at the height of its design

Renault Sandero-RS-2019

Renault Sandero RS operates with two types of fuels: ethanol (specific to the South American region) and unleaded.

Its 2.0-liter, naturally aspirated, 4-cylinder engine develops 150 horsepower and 205 Nm of torque (in ethanol) or 145 horsepower and 201 Nm of torque (in gasoline).

With its light weight close to 1 ton, the small sports accelerates from 0 to 100 km / h in 8 seconds only and reaches 202 km / h in top speed.

The interior of Dacia Sandero RS features features inherited from the limited Racing Spirit series, such as the black roof and double stitched red seats. The armrests of doors are covered with a carbon fiber fabric, emphasizing the sportiness of this model. The shiny black center console and interior door handles complete the red and black harmony of the interior.

It is equipped with ESP, automatic climate control, a multimedia touch screen compatible with Android Auto and Apple Carplay or a rear view camera.

Original source: https://group.renault.com/actualites/blog-renault/de-lusine-a-la-course-automobile-lhistoire-de-thiago-cruz-et-de-sa-renault-sandero-r-s/