The Rally de Portugal returns to the WRC calendar for its 54th edition, after the coronavirus pandemic forced its cancellation in 2020. The Rally de Portugal, fourth stop of the season, will be held from May 21 to 23 boasting a challenging course (337.51 km and 20 stages) that promises to put both men and machines to the test.

The organisation will also allow for the attendance of a small number of spectators. Following a long tradition, the appointment in the Iberian Peninsula will inaugurate the gravel ‘season’. It has now been 222 days since competitors had any contact with this type of surface. 

Sébastien Ogier (Toyota), leader of the standings, will have the disadvantage of having to open the track at Rally de Portugal. After defeating teammate Elfyn Evans in the final meters of the Croatian Rally, the seven-time champion will take the start in Portugal with a eight-point lead over Thierry Neuville (Hyundai). 

Having taken two wins in the last three races (Monte Carlo and Croatia), the crown defender is the opponent to beat. In any case, Portugal is one of Ogier’s lucky tracks where he shares the five victories’ record (2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2017) with the Finn Markku Alen (1975, 1977, 1978, 1981, 1987), a record that he could extend this Sunday. 

Some of his most dangerous rivals will come from within his own team. Evans, for instance, will want to have his back after what happened at the Balkan round where he lost the victory to Ogier by 0.6 seconds. The Welshman is currently third in the standings, and only ten points behind (51) his French teammate, a distance that he will do his best to reduce.   

Kalle Rovanperä will be another key opponent to watch. The young Finn is eager to compete again at Rally de Portugal after having to retire in Croatia, where he lost his WRC lead.

The Japanese Takamoto Katsuta will complete the large delegation of the Jyvaskylä team. Takamoto has come in sixth at the three appointments disputed so far, a virtual barrier that he aspires to break. 

Hyundai, chasing the top of the Standings

Hyundai will bring out a top line-up this weekend with Thierry Neuville and Ott Tänak being the last Rally de Portugal winners in 2018 and 2019, respectively. Second in the standings behind Ogier, the Belgian driver has had a great start to the season taking three third places.

Meanwhile, his Estonian partner has displayed a somewhat more irregular trajectory, being knocked out from ‘El Monte’ but winning in Finland. Both are likely to be part of the Portuguese podium bid. 

The Finn, who alternates with the Frenchman at the wheel of the second Fiesta WRC of the Cumbria team, will also come against names such as Esapekka Lappi, Mads Ostberg, Oliver Solberg and Ole Christian Veiby at the silver category. 

Images of Rally de Portugal: Toyota Gazoo Racing.