José Antonio Rueda welcomed to the village with tomatoes

After claiming the title of Moto3 world champion José Antonio Rueda received several accolades: medals, cups and even a Betis Sevilla shirt, his favorite soccer team. In Los Palacios y Villafranca, the town where he lives, however, they outdid themselves. The Andalusian driver was presented with an unexpected prize: the Los Palacios Tomato Growers Association gave him his own weight, 61.8 kilos, in tomatoes. These are not just any tomatoes, by the way, but so-called “bombón colorao,” a special variety from the area.

Rueda had had to postpone the celebration with his fellow citizens because of the accident in Malaysia and subsequent rehabilitation, but now that he is physically much better he attended the official session and was able to sign the book of honor. There he dictated his dedication to the mayor: “I am very proud to be the first Andalusian from Los Palacios y Villafranca to become world champion, in a year that I will always remember. Thanks to everyone for making it possible and to the people of Los Palacios y Villafranca for this recognition”.

Juan Manuel Valle, the mayor, congratulated the young man, who lives with his family in the hamlet of Los Chapatales. “It is a source of pride to have presented Jose Antonio with the Young Person of the Year 2025 award for many reasons – he clarified -The first, of course, for his merits, because we are aware of the importance of what he has achieved”.

Aldo Seghedoni

“Beyond the world champion title, which is already something exceptional, he has achieved his dreams, and that is very difficult. And that is what really matters right now” added the first citizen of Los Palacios y Villafranca, which is twinned with Rivanazzano Terme, in Pavia.