The forthcoming Rally Portugal promises a thrilling spectacle, showcasing the most formidable Rally1 roster seen since 2022. Scheduled from May 15 to 18, this iconic event will see twelve Rally1 vehicles brave the challenging 24 gravel stages set across Portugal’s picturesque landscape. This considerable participation underlines not just the allure of Rally Portugal but also the robust commitment from manufacturers and teams, each eager to stake their claim in the World Rally Championship (WRC).
Toyota is leading the charge once more, fielding five of their cutting-edge GR Yaris Rally1 cars. Among the lineup is the illustrious Sébastien Ogier, the unrivaled maestro of Rally Portugal, known for his six triumphs here. His presence adds an elevated layer of competition, especially as he joins established Toyota competitors like the current championship leader Elfyn Evans, the talented Kalle Rovanpera, Takamoto Katsuta, and Sami Pajari. As a captivating twist, fans can look forward to a dramatic shift in Toyota’s aesthetics, as they debut a striking silver paint scheme that replaces their iconic black livery, adding yet another layer of anticipation to the event.
Hyundai and M-Sport: A Competitive Edge
Hyundai is not to be outdone, fielding a trio of powerful i20 N Rally cars, showcasing the formidable talent of Thierry Neuville, Ott Tanak, and Adrien Fourmaux. Their collaborative prowess creates a competitive atmosphere that is bound to invigorate the event. Meanwhile, M-Sport will introduce four Puma vehicles. Among them, local hero Diogo Salvi—an experienced privateer at 55—will bring his own brand of expertise and spirit to the rally. The return of Martins Sesks enhances M-Sport’s strategy as they gear up for a significant showdown lined with fierce racing dynamics and nuanced tactics.
The numbers speak for themselves; this is the most substantial Rally1 presence we’ve seen since the thrilling Rally Spain in late 2022. The preparations are well underway, as both Toyota and M-Sport engage in meticulous pre-event testing, validating their strategies for maximum impact.
A Record-Setting WRC2 Class
Adding to the excitement, a staggering record of 45 cars has been registered for the WRC2 class. Among this impressive field are familiar rally veterans like Kris Meeke and Dani Sordo, both vying for supremacy in the Portuguese national championship. Their participation brings a rich layer of experience and competitive fervor, further amplifying the stakes of the event. Having recently triumphed in previous rounds, Meeke’s performance in a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 and Sordo’s spirited competition in an i20 N Rally2 promise to captivate audiences keen on witnessing their rivalry unfold yet again.
In addition, promising talents such as Oliver Solberg, the points leader Yohan Rossel, and other notable contenders like Nikolay Gryazin and Gus Greensmith are set to execute their driving skills under intense scrutiny. The return of WRC Rally1 driver Pierre-Louis Loubet adds a compelling twist; united once again with M-Sport in a Ford Fiesta Rally2, he aims to leverage past experiences for a formidable presence on the track.
As the countdown to Rally Portugal begins, it’s clear that this event is not merely a race; it’s a celebration of speed, strategy, and the unyielding spirit of rallying, setting the stage for an unforgettable showdown against a backdrop of rugged beauty and high-octane excitement.