Juan José Lacalle

Juanjo Lacalle is a former co-driver and long-time associate of Carlos Sainz, linked to the driver’s first steps in rallying and later to his professional circle. He co-drove Sainz on his debut in the 1980 Rally Shalymar, contested in a Renault 5 TS, and accompanied him on other events during that early period. The SEAT Panda in which Sainz competed in 1981 belonged to the later Copa Nacional SEAT Panda and was not the car used for that debut.

After leaving the co-driver’s seat, Lacalle went on to work as Sainz’s manager and close adviser for much of his career. His relationship with the family also extended to Carlos Sainz Jr., whose godfather he is and with whom he has maintained a close personal and advisory relationship.