The World Rally Championship is back in action, and the Portugal Rally is ready to deliver high-octane thrills once again. Sébastien Ogier, one of the sport’s most decorated drivers, is set to compete for the sixth time, building on his record-breaking win last year. “It’s a rally with a unique atmosphere and many fans,” Ogier said, praising the event’s enduring appeal.
A Star-Studded Lineup
The competition is fierce, with 95 drivers from around the world vying for the top spot. The Hyundai team, led by Thierry Neuville, the 2024 champion, is looking strong, but Toyota is currently leading the championship. Elfyn Evans, the current leader, is confident but cautious. “After a good start to the season, we’re entering a sequence of dirt events where I may face more challenges as the championship leader, especially if the road is very dry on the first day,” he said.
The Toyota quartet, including Kalle Rovanperä and Takamoto Katsuta, is still unbeaten this season. Rovanperä, a two-time world champion, is back in action after a year off and is looking to bounce back from last year’s disappointment in Portugal, where he crashed out. “I enjoyed winning again after some time. Now we’re back on dirt roads, and I’m still trying to feel as comfortable as I do on asphalt,” he said.
Hyundai’s Cautious Approach
Neuville, meanwhile, is taking a more measured approach. “The very abrasive roads can cause increased tire wear if we’re too demanding,” he said, echoing the concerns of his teammates Ott Tänak and Adrien Fourmaux. Tänak added, “There’s no doubt the rally will be tough, with very long days and harsh conditions on the second stage.”
The Ford M-Sport team is also looking to make an impact with their four Puma Rally1 cars. Grégoire Munster is optimistic, saying, “The team has shown the car can be competitive here, so we’ll fight for a good result.”
WRC2: A Highly Competitive Field
The WRC2 category is shaping up to be a thrilling contest, with 55 cars and drivers like Oliver Solberg, Gus Greensmith, and Kajetan Kajetanowicz vying for the top spot. Other contenders include Nikolay Gryazin, Jan Solans, and brothers Yohan and Léo Rossel.
The Portugal Rally also features a strong lineup of local drivers competing in the Rally2 category of the Portuguese Rally Championship. Kris Meeke and Dani Sordo are among the favorites, along with Armindo Araújo, Ricardo Teodósio, and José Pedro Fontes. Meeke is currently leading the championship, having won all three events so far.
As the rally gets underway, the stage is set for an exciting battle among the world’s top drivers. With its unique blend of challenging roads, stunning scenery, and passionate fans, the Portugal Rally is sure to deliver once again.