Portugal Rally to Showcase Unmatched WRC Rally1 Line-up

The upcoming Rally Portugal, set to take place from May 15 to 18, promises to be a thrilling event for fans of the World Rally Championship (WRC). This year, the rally will host twelve Rally1 cars and an impressive 45 entries in the WRC2 class, marking a significant occasion in the motorsport calendar.

The diverse range of competitors highlights the event’s growing importance within the rallying community. Toyota Gazoo Racing is fully prepared for this challenge as they roll out five GR Yaris Rally1 cars.

They will feature the accomplished Sébastien Ogier, who has won this rally six times, making his third appearance of the season. He is joined by championship frontrunner Elfyn Evans, alongside talented teammates Kalle Rovanpera, Takamoto Katsuta, and Sami Pajari.

Fans will get to enjoy the new silver paint scheme of the Toyota cars, which replaces the prior black livery used in earlier races this season. Hyundai Motorsport enters the fray with three i20 N Rally cars, driven by experienced drivers Thierry Neuville, Ott Tanak, and Adrien Fourmaux.

M-Sport Ford, meanwhile, is fielding a lineup of four Puma models. Among them is Martins Sesks, who is making one of his six planned starts this season.

The lineup also includes Gregoire Munster and Josh McErlean, showcasing a blend of experience and up-and-coming talent. Additionally, local privateer Diogo Salvi, who is 55 years old, adds a unique touch to the competition, representing the region’s motorsport spirit.

Preparations for the event have already begun, with both Toyota and M-Sport conducting pre-event tests. This season, Rally Portugal will witness the largest Rally1 presence since Rally Spain in 2022, contributing to an exhilarating atmosphere.

Fans will be on the edge of their seats as teams finalize their strategies for the challenging stages ahead. The WRC2 class is set to be just as competitive, featuring an astonishing 45 entries.

Among the prominent names are former rally winners Kris Meeke and Dani Sordo, both of whom are participating in the Portuguese national championship. Meeke will compete in a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, while Sordo will take the wheel of a Hyundai i20 N Rally2.

Their presence will undoubtedly elevate the level of competition. The entry list is further enriched with strong contenders like Oliver Solberg, current points leader Yohan Rossel, Nikolay Gryazin, Gus Greensmith, and Fabrizio Zaldivar.

Pierre-Louis Loubet, currently competing in the Rally1 category, will also make a return to the WRC2 class, piloting a Ford Fiesta Rally2 for M-Sport. Rally Portugal is shaping up to be an exciting experience that fans cannot afford to miss.

With a stellar roster in both Rally1 and WRC2 classes, the event promises intense competition and unforgettable moments on Portugal’s challenging gravel stages. As anticipation builds, all eyes will be on the teams and drivers as they prepare to battle for supremacy in the rallying world.

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Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.