The upcoming Rally Portugal is on track to be a spectacular showcase of motorsport talent, promising the most competitive iteration of the Rally1 category since 2022. Scheduled for May 15-18, this event will feature twelve Rally1 cars, each vying for supremacy across Portugal’s challenging 24 gravel stages. The entry list alone has generated considerable buzz among fans and teams alike, indicating that the intensity of the World Rally Championship (WRC) is reaching new heights.
Toyota is set to dominate the line-up with five of its formidable GR Yaris Rally1 cars. Among these drivers is none other than Sébastien Ogier, whose unmatched record in Rally Portugal includes six overall victories. The seasoned racer is not just a participant; he is a tactical powerhouse whose experience could sway the results in unexpected ways. Ogier isn’t alone, as he will team up with Toyota’s regulars, including championship frontrunner Elfyn Evans. With this combination, not only is Toyota attempting to replicate past successes, but they are also on track to redefine their competitive strategy with a newly unveiled silver paint scheme, transitioning from the previous black livery just in time for the summer events.
The Challenge from Other Teams
Hyundai is prepared to deliver fierce competition with their trio of i20 N Rally cars, driven by industry stalwarts Thierry Neuville, Ott Tanak, and Adrien Fourmaux. Each of these racers brings their unique strengths to the table, and their collective ambition will undoubtedly create a fierce rivalry on the stages. Not to be overlooked, M-Sport-Ford enters the fray with four Puma vehicles, which will see drivers like Martins Sesks return alongside promising talents such as Gregoire Munster and Josh McErlean. The inclusion of Diogo Salvi, a local privateer veteran at 55, exemplifies the array of experience being showcased, enriching the narrative of this thrilling rally.
WRC2 Class Dominates with a Stellar Cast
The WRC2 class is equally compelling, boasting a record 45 entries. This bolstered field includes past WRC champions Kris Meeke and Dani Sordo, who are refocusing their sights on the Portuguese national championship while competing in this prestigious event. Their ongoing rivalry not only adds excitement but also showcases the depth of talent in lower tiers of the sport. Meeke, driving a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, has edged out Sordo in previous contests, and the competition between these two seasoned drivers is bound to capture attention.
In addition, rising stars like Oliver Solberg, current points leader Yohan Rossel, and experienced contenders like Gus Greensmith are all primed to make their mark. The depth of this roster signifies that many battles will take place beyond the headline drivers, reaffirming that more than just the top-tier competitors will grab headlines.
An Anticipated Return
Another intriguing element of Rally Portugal is the return of Pierre-Louis Loubet, who has made an agreement to pilot a Ford Fiesta Rally2 for M-Sport. His resurgence comes at a crucial juncture as he gears up for what promises to be a competitive season following his earlier Rally1 participation in 2023. With the stage set for high-octane drama and electrifying performances, Rally Portugal is shaping up to be an unforgettable event that motorsport fans simply cannot afford to miss.