Rally Portugal is poised to deliver an exhilarating event as it prepares to host what is undoubtedly the most potent Rally1 line-up since 2022. Scheduled for May 15-18, the event features twelve Rally1 vehicles that will brave an impressive array of 24 gravel stages. Toyota leads the charge with five GR Yaris Rally1 cars, and the return of the legendary Sébastien Ogier—who holds the all-time record for Rally Portugal victories—adds an extra layer of excitement. As a six-time champion of this iconic race, Ogier’s presence is not merely a nostalgic return; it serves as a formidable warning to his competitors that he’s still capable of dominating the landscape.
Ogier is joined by the pinnacle of Toyota’s talent pool: Elfyn Evans, who currently sits at the top of the championship standings, alongside Kalle Rovanperä, Takamoto Katsuta, and Sami Pajari. This amalgamation of skill and experience sets a high bar for their rivals. Toyota also aims to captivate audiences with its fresh silver paint scheme, a striking departure from its traditional black livery, which is expected to turn heads and symbolize a new chapter in their campaign.
A Diverse Competition: The Battle of Brands
While Toyota captures much of the initial attention, the competition from Hyundai and M-Sport is relentless. Hyundai’s i20 N Rally cars, piloted by the seasoned trio of Thierry Neuville, Ott Tänak, and Adrien Fourmaux, add depth to the field. Each driver comes with a wealth of experience and a hunger for victory, making the competition fierce and unpredictable. M-Sport will not be outdone, fielding four Puma vehicles, including the remarkable inclusion of local privateer Diogo Salvi, who is set to showcase his skills at 55 years young. Salvi’s participation is a testament to the timeless passion for rallying and adds a personal touch to the event.
The excitement doesn’t stop at the Rally1 category. The WRC2 class boasts a record 45 entrants, promising a similarly thrilling racing environment. Familiar names such as Kris Meeke and Dani Sordo will engage in a head-to-head battle as they compete in the Portuguese national championship. Both returning champions have shown to be formidable forces in previous rounds, with Meeke, driving a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, recently edging out Sordo, who will pilot an i20 N Rally2, presenting an exciting subplot to the overall event.
Anticipation and Preparation: A Team Effort
As the event approaches, the teams have wasted no time in gearing up for the challenge. Toyota and M-Sport are currently engaged in pre-event tests, underscoring the significance of preparation in the world of rally racing. The meticulous planning isn’t merely limited to car configurations; it extends to the strategies designed to navigate the diverse gravel stages of Portugal, known for its beautiful yet challenging terrain.
Amid the machinery and the fervor, Pierre-Louis Loubet’s return to the fold adds an exciting twist. Driving a Ford Fiesta Rally2, he reestablishes his connection with M-Sport, as a participant who previously competed in the elite Rally1 category. Such transitions highlight the ever-evolving landscape of rallying and the pathways drivers explore throughout their careers.
With such a robust roster of competitors and a thrilling mix of old faces and newcomers, Rally Portugal promises to be an event that resonates with adrenaline and passion, making it a must-watch this season.