As the event goes on, the sandy dirt surfaces clear to present new hazards in the shape of rocks, pot-holes and ruts. Such variations mean tyre choice can be decisive as well as requiring constant vigilance and concentration from both driver and co-driver. It is a big challenge and one which makes for a fascinating WRC event.
In 1973, the Rally de Portugal was one of the founding events of the World Rally Championship and it has lost nothing over the years. As well as the large and passionate crowds, which always line the roads, drivers will have to contend with soft sandy tracks which make grip hard to come by, especially on the first running of stages.
-
Rally articles
Gravel durability test | Rally de Portugal
The 21 very rough and sometimes even rocky gravel stages of the Rally de Portugal caused a high number of retirements. However, the Polish crew Kajetan Kajetanowicz/Maciej Szczepaniak successfully avoided…
The Famous but Treacherous Sandy Gravel | Rally de Portugal
After a difficult premiere on the Croatian tarmac, the World Rally Championship (WRC) moves back to the well-known Portuguese gravel. Rally de Portugal holds a special place in the history…
From Factory to Victory. The Story of Rally de Portugal | Video
Scorching heat, clouds of dust, rough tracks. The revamped ŠKODA FABIA R5 evo proved its extraordinary durability and speed in its first World Rally Championship outing. Watch the story of…
